Parenting Under Fascism: Micro-Resistance For Families

Every tiny act can add up.

This administration is throwing so much at us right now. Whether it’s an illegal war, unconstitutional ICE abductions, ICE in airports, another illegal war, or the countless other techniques they are using to harm and distract, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we keep focused on supporting the rights and safety of those most at risk.

Parenting under fascism requires a myriad of tools under our belts and micro-resistance is but one of them. We’re going to talk about some ways we can normalize micro-resistance with our kids and provide you with some actionable guidance and conversation helpers to get started.

Over the last year, many corporations, institutions and high profile figures have committed the #1 no-no as it pertains to living under a fascist regime.

They’ve obeyed in advance.

From donations to the inauguration, rollbacks on DEI at over 400 campuses across the country, and meetings at the White House to performing at MAGA events, it’s been disappointing to see some of our faves seek to protect their privilege and positionality, throwing the betterment of our country and our children to the wind.

In response to this, many of us have used boycotting as a tool of resistance. Whether it’s as part of a boycott campaign, like Target or Disney, or simply a re-prioritization of our dollars towards companies that align with our values, boycotting is a critical and important micro-resistance tool that each of us have the power to utilize in this fight against fascism globally.

It’s also a really impactful practice for kids to learn as they start to realize the power of money.

This got us thinking about other forms of micro-resistance that families with kids can do to fight oppression. We want to reiterate, though, that these do not replace the need to be visibly resistant and to use our position and privilege to fight back. BUT for some families in our community, visible resistance isn’t an option, like families with immigrants of mixed statuses. Micro-resistance plays an important role in teaching our kids about our responsibility as changemakers during a time of fascism AND can also contribute to the growing pushback against this regime.

It must be said, though, that families with privilege should push themselves to the limits of that privilege especially because others without privilege cannot.

What is Micro-Resistance?

Micro-resistance is a practice that has been studied since 1985 though it’s been in existence for far longer. It is defined as small acts that people or businesses take that may be visible or private with the goal of resisting oppression and injustice. These small acts can contribute in major ways and can be accessible for families, especially those with young kids. Micro-resistance shouldn’t take away the need for bold and brave action in the face of injustice and fascism but these small acts can be revolutionary and can contribute to the snowball of resistance.

Here are some forms of micro-resistance that are accessible to families with kids, actions for each and a short conversation helper to start discussing these with your kids:

Boycotts

Many families can choose to stop shopping at big brands that are complicit or directly support this administration. Some examples of these brands are Meta, Amazon, Target, and McDonalds (McDonalds also faces boycotts for their complicity in the genocide in Gaza).

Action- Shop at small businesses wherever possible. Plan ahead to decrease the need to resort to the most convenient options when in a rush.

Conversation Helper- “As a family, we use our money to shop at places that care for everyone and that try to do as little harm as possible. This business is not one of them. They (give a concrete example of what the business is doing to cause harm). Let’s do some research together to find another place to shop.”

Sharing Factual Information

In this current age of rampant disinformation, sharing accurate information can be instrumental in correcting narratives. This is especially necessary for older relatives who may not be as tech-savvy and may be susceptible to deliberate disinformation attempts. It can also be helpful for young men who may be particularly vulnerable to creeping misogyny online.

Action-This can look like sending fact-based news articles. For teens, it can look like texting fact-based social media links to perspectives that center healthy masculinity, justice and equity. Check back to see what 3 things they found most interesting in the article to spark a discussion.

Conversation Helper- “It’s important for us to share information that is true. Let’s research that thing Grandma told us about yesterday and send her the information we find. I can do the reading and you can press the laptop buttons (older kids can read on their own).”

Using Art to Resist

Creating art as a family can be a powerful way to help open discussions about resisting fascism. AND educating our kids about fighting fascism is not a micro-resistance. That’s big-time resistance.

Action- Set aside some time weekly (maybe on the weekend if weekdays are too wild) to create protest art together. Use this opportunity to talk with kids about what’s happening in the world, what us families can do about it and the world we want to build together. Display the art in their room and/or in shared living spaces or a window. These can even be conversation starters for guests to your home.

Conversation Helper- “Let’s get out our art supplies and make some art to express how we feel. This week, I saw that X happened (focus on one issue). Why do you think that is unfair? Let’s draw what you think can be done about it and let’s think about where we can hang it up.”

Language As Resistance

We’ve witnessed increased attacks on trans people and queer people, both from this administration, online and in society. Raising children who respect and honor everyone for who they are can include starting with inclusive language in everyday life.

Action- Incorporate inclusive language in play. If your kiddo loves dolls or figurines, include gender neutral pronouns and identities. Normalize asking what their pronouns are, even in play. In everyday life, veer away from assuming people’s gender based on how they look.

Conversation Helper- “I love your doll’s dress! What is their favorite color?” or “That person’s car is a lovely shade of yellow. I wonder if yellow is their favorite color” or “I didn’t notice your new figurine. What’s their pronouns?”

Advocate To Lawmakers

Even though it might seem futile at this moment in history, lawmakers can shift their policy stances based on what they hear from their constituents. It may seem like a small thing to call or write to lawmakers but every call or letter can add to the growing voices of resistance.

Action- Use tools like 5 Calls or Common Cause to advocate to one’s local representatives.

Conversation Helper- “Lawmakers make the rules that can either help us or harm us and our community. Let’s write a letter to them to let them know what we believe in and that they need to think about this when they are making the rules.”

Okay, so it could be argued that all of these are not actually tiny acts at all 🙂They can have tremendous impact for sure.

But!

More importantly, they can help us and our kids normalize and habitualize resistance towards injustice and fascism. When these small acts are normalized in the home, our kids grow up knowing that resistance is actionable and should be a part of their daily lives. Each small act may seem tiny to us but they can contribute to building a louder megaphone that can’t be ignored.

That’s it from us for today. Try to get some fresh air today, okay? Do one small thing that brings you joy and tell us about it.

Sending our best,

Tabitha & Adam