The Elephant in the Room.

"This isn't worth doing."/ "The far right cannot be saved." / "You're complicit." Okay, let's talk about it. This is the article where I address the critics.

Time for ME to tackle the hard stuff…

I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible support for the content I create. However, I’ve also encountered my share of criticism for expressing my views, and honestly, I understand where those reactions come from. For some, engaging in dialogue and searching for common ground is important. For others, the solution is clear: to disengage entirely from those who supported Trump or align with far-right ideologies.

Both perspectives are entirely valid, and I’ve always maintained that people should prioritize what aligns with their values and preserves their peace of mind. At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge that others may approach these challenges differently—and that’s okay too.

Today, I want to address the elephant in the room by tackling some of the most common critiques I’ve received.

Let me be clear from the outset—this isn’t about calling anyone out or assigning blame. My goal here isn’t to single out people or dismiss anyone’s perspective, but rather to engage in an honest discussion. Criticism, even when it’s difficult to hear, often comes from a place of genuine concern or disagreement, and I value the opportunity to reflect on those perspectives.

So let us begin.

“You’re Asking Me to Think Like You.”

Let me start with one of the most frequent responses I hear: the perception that my content is a call to action that everyone must follow. I can understand why it might come across that way, but this has never been my intent.

From the beginning, my stance has been clear: not everyone needs to engage with my message, and that’s perfectly okay. People process the world and navigate challenges in different ways, and I respect that diversity of approach. My goal isn’t to push a one-size-fits-all solution or insist that everyone adopt my perspective. Instead, I aim to offer insights, observations, and tools for those who feel my message resonates with them.

I understand that not everyone has the bandwidth or desire to engage in these conversations, and that’s a valid choice. Whether someone chooses to engage, step back for self-preservation, or take a completely different path, those decisions are deeply personal and shaped by their unique circumstances.

For those who do connect with what I share, I hope my content provides value—a framework for reflection, encouragement to keep going, or perhaps simply a perspective they hadn’t considered before. At the same time, for those who prefer to disengage or approach these topics differently, I fully respect that choice. Both are valid responses, and there’s no wrong way to protect your peace of mind or prioritize your well-being.

Ultimately, my work is an invitation, not an obligation. It’s here for those who need it, when they need it, and it’s perfectly fine to leave it on the table if it doesn’t serve you.

“This Isn’t Worth Doing”

By far, the most common feedback I receive is a variation of, “This isn’t worth doing” or “I’m not doing this; they’ll never change.”

I completely understand where this sentiment comes from. It’s disheartening to pour energy into dialogue only to feel like you’re hitting a wall. When reframed without an absolutist mindset, this critique does carry a degree of truth. There are indeed people who are so deeply entrenched in their beliefs that no amount of time, effort, or carefully constructed arguments will change their mind. That’s a reality we can all acknowledge, and it’s important to be honest about that.

But here’s the thing: while not every conversation will bear fruit, that doesn’t mean the entire effort is pointless. I don’t see the existence of unreachable people as a reason to dismiss engagement entirely.

The truth is, change rarely happens quickly—it’s a gradual, cumulative process. My own deprogramming took years. That doesn’t mean I was unreachable, or my progress was not worth it. Every situation is different, and it’s important to acknowledge those distinctions. Seeds of doubt or curiosity can be planted in unexpected ways, even in conversations that seem like dead ends. Sometimes, those seeds take time to grow, and their impact might not be immediately visible.

It’s also important to recognize that not everyone needs to be reached for progress to occur. It’s not about trying to change the minds of everyone who disagrees with you—that’s impossible, and an exhausting standard to set for yourself. If even a handful of people find themselves questioning their beliefs or reconsidering their stance, that’s a victory in itself.

“You’re Complicit"

This argument surfaces occasionally: the idea that any effort to build bridges is inherently a concession or a form of “agreeing in advance.” I want to be very clear—there’s a big difference between engaging in meaningful dialogue to foster change, and performative gestures that prioritize appeasement over principle.

Engaging in tough, value-driven conversations means standing firmly in your beliefs while creating openings for productive conversations. It’s about challenging entrenched thinking in a way that prioritizes genuine progress. On the other hand, performative actions—like, say, Joe and Mika sneaking off to Mar-a-Lago to figuratively (or literally) “kiss the ring”—are less about fostering understanding and more about surrendering integrity for personal gain or access.

Building bridges doesn’t mean compromising your core values or abandoning your convictions. It’s not about excusing or normalizing dangerous ideologies, but rather about being deliberate in how we approach the broader narrative. Every conversation has the potential to challenge misconceptions, to plant a seed of doubt in rigid thinking, or to create a small opening for progress.

This isn’t about immediate wins or dramatic transformations—it’s about the incremental shifts that happen when those who feel called refuse to give up on dialogue altogether. It’s about engaging strategically and authentically, one conversation at a time, in service of a more thoughtful and empathetic world.

In The End…

There are some people for whom my work will resonate. For others, it may not be the conversation they’re seeking—and if my work isn’t your cup of tea, I completely understand.

That said, the only thing being asked of you is simple: allow others to follow their own path without judgment or comment. I’m not here to debate the value of my approach or to convince anyone of anything. My intention is not to change your mind, but to share a perspective for those who find it meaningful.

We all have our unique journeys, and respecting that individuality is key. It’s about creating space for others to engage in a way that feels right to them, without the need for critique or correction.

I wish you the best, wherever your journey takes you.