Beyond Oppression: Reclaiming Our Power and Creating What’s Next

by Trisha Jacobson

Some days, it feels like the world is stuck on repeat. The same fights, the same exhaustion, the same struggle just to be seen, heard, and valued. Why are we still having to prove that we deserve dignity? That our existence isn’t up for debate? That our rights aren’t bargaining chips for politicians focused on money and power? We’re so done with this cycle. But being "done" isn’t enough. The real question is: How do we build a future where we don’t have to keep fighting for our humanity?

Here are some ideas that may be worth consideration: 

1. Stop Seeking Validation from a Broken System

One of the biggest lies we’ve been told is that we need permission to exist. That if we just explain ourselves well enough, if we find the "right words," if we appeal to logic or empathy, people in power will finally see our worth and our politicians will vote accordingly.

Spoiler alert! They see it. They just don’t want to acknowledge it. Because their power depends on keeping us fighting for scraps instead of building something new. So what if we stop asking? Stop explaining? Stop waiting for validation from systems designed to suppress us? What if, instead, we claim our space and own our power. What if we fully embrace our right to exist as we are ... without apology, without justification, without compromise and without fear.

2. Shift from Resistance to Creation

Fighting against something still gives it energy. What if, instead of spending all our time reacting to injustice, we put that energy into creating a world where justice is the norm?

• Instead of waiting for corrupt leaders to change, we build new leadership models.
• Instead of hoping the media stops spreading division, we create and amplify voices that uplift and empower.
• Instead of trying to reform institutions that were never built for us, we invest in parallel systems that center humanity over power.

Resistance is important. But intentional creation is how we win in the long run.

3. Reclaim the Narrative

The biggest tool of oppression is the story we are told about ourselves. The story being told now is:

• That we are powerless.
• That we are too divided to create change.
• That the way things are is the way they will always be.

All lies. And every single one is designed to keep us right where those seeking more money and power would like us to stay. 

What if we rewrite the story? What if we fully embrace the truth? We are powerful. We are united We are the future?We don’t have to wait for the mainstream to catch up. We can tell our own stories, in our own way, and make them impossible to ignore.

4. Build Communities that Make Oppression Irrelevant

Oppressive systems thrive on isolation. They want us to feel alone, powerless, and disconnected. So what if we do the opposite? We build community.

• Spaces where people feel safe to exist as they are.
• Networks of mutual support that don’t rely on corrupt institutions.
• Movements rooted in action, not just awareness.

United we stand. Divided we fall. And when we stand together, the system loses its grip. 

5. Envision the World We Want (Then Start Living Like It’s Already Here)

Decide what we want. Imagine it in every detail. What does it look like? What does it feel like?

And then, the most radical act? Live our lives as if the future we envision already exists.

• Treat people with the dignity they deserve, even when the world doesn’t.
• Create spaces where justice, compassion, and humanity are non-negotiable.
• Hold onto joy, because joy itself is a form of resistance.
• Practice gratitude for the simple things on a daily basis. And then expand gratitude using the Uncommon Appreciation process described here.

We’re not just here to fight against a broken world. We are here to build a new one! And when we do that, the old systems won’t just crumble. They’ll become irrelevant.

So let's decide what we want ... and start living it and creating it today.