Introduction
The older I get, the more I realize that there was never going to be “enough” to change certain minds. No amount of education, empathy, or demonstrations of our humanity would convince some people that we deserve to be treated as human beings. That truth is uncomfortable, even frightening, to admit — but it’s necessary if we want to redirect our energy toward those who are ready to receive it. What’s happening in D.C. is just another reminder: some people will never meet us in good faith, and it’s time to stop pretending they will.
The Myth of Convincing the Unwilling
We’ve been taught that progress comes from debate, from meeting in the middle, from appealing to shared humanity. But history — and our lived experience — shows otherwise. Those who are determined to hate will not be swayed by reason, compassion, or even undeniable evidence. Their cups are already full of hatred; no matter how much love we try to pour in, it will spill out unused. The effort spent trying to reach them is effort stolen from those who are actually open to connection and change.
Redirecting Our Focus
Instead of fighting for the attention and approval of those committed to bigotry, we need to invest in the people who are hungry for love, justice, and unity. These are the individuals and communities who can build a better world alongside us. They deserve our time, our energy, and our care far more than those who see our humanity as negotiable. Our fight should not be about gaining a seat at their table, but about building our own and inviting in those who value and protect one another.
Refusing False Equivalence
Engaging hate on “equal footing” legitimizes it. It treats cruelty and love as equally valid positions, which they are not. We should be aware of what fascists, bigots, and racists think — not to meet them halfway, but to understand their strategies and protect ourselves. As the saying goes, “I debate with my equals. All others I teach. I debate with those who believe in love; all others I fight.” This isn’t about closing our minds; it’s about refusing to lend credibility to beliefs that deny our right to exist.
The Reality of the Struggle
There has never been a “few bad apples.” The problem is not confined to a handful of individuals — it’s embedded in systems, institutions, and cultural norms. Waiting for a global awakening where the majority see past differences and unite against oppression is a noble dream, but one history tells us will not come by persuasion alone. Real change requires both protection from harm and the cultivation of spaces where love and justice can grow.
Summary
The events in D.C. highlight an old truth: some people will never see our humanity, no matter how much we prove it. Continuing to pour our energy into converting them only drains the resources we need for those ready to stand with us. The path forward isn’t about endless debates or “finding common ground” with hate — it’s about knowing where to fight, where to build, and where to love.
Conclusion
We cannot afford to waste time convincing those who are committed to misunderstanding us. Our work is with the people who value justice, the ones who are willing to fight for it and live it. Let the hateful keep their platform; we have our own, and it’s built on truth, dignity, and a shared vision for a better future. We debate with our equals, we build with our allies, and we fight those who would deny our humanity. That’s how we protect what matters — and that’s how we win.