Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

There’s a popular meme circling the internet right now of a man being interviewed in a lively club scene. Though the origin is a mystery of sorts, the man says in the video, “I live in constant fear of the Western descent towards fascism, … but the club is bumping, the ladies look good. The alcohol is flowing. There is much pain in the world but not in this room.”

He poses an interesting proposition: In the face of anguish, what better thing is there to do but smile?

Scrolling through TikTok with any sense of morals feels like a death sentence. Every video shows another family being separated, another step of Project 2025 being implemented or a journalist being arrested for doing their job. It feels like things have only been getting increasingly worse since 2020, and the sole escape many have from the real-life effects of these issues has now created an inescapable loop. 

These issues should absolutely be pushed to the highest degree — the impacts are real and happening now — but real life is scary. As a collective, we don’t have the bandwidth to balance it all.

This isn’t a call for you to forget about the horrible things happening in our country as of late. I’m not asking you to forget about the numerous people being kidnapped off the street, or the fact that the current administration is funding it. I am certainly not asking for you to turn a blind eye.

Rather, I feel that we should be vocal in our distaste for these tragedies, no matter how frightening they are. Be angry, express your fear and do your part.

When true happiness seems so far-fetched in times like these, being in tune with ourselves as individuals is more important than ever. The persistent push for aggression and hatred in almost every piece of media we consume on a day-to-day basis acts as a mental prison of sorts; we condemn ourselves to solitude, fueled by hours of scrolling and fear-mongering.

Happiness isn’t unattainable, though this concept has gotten lost in translation recently. The idea of happiness and, more importantly, humanity being a pipe-dream is more damaging to our collective psyche than anything else. Those currently, and arguably everyone, in positions of power want you uneducated, too tired to do anything about the injustices they commit; the best tactic is to make you forget that you have power. 

You have the power to make a difference in your community. You have the power to advocate for the causes you believe in. You have the power to make a change. 

“If you can’t do anything else, practice empathy, compassion and kindness.”

More importantly, you have the power to create your own happiness — in whatever small way that might be. Spend time with your loved ones, make a piece of art, leave your house and feel the sun on your skin. 

There are dozens of ways to make a positive impact right now; nothing is too small. Educating yourself on any pressing issue is a great way to start, ideally with the issue that scares you the most. Educate your friends, your family and your peers. Spread the word about a local nonprofit helping your community in an impactful way, and volunteer if you’re able.

If you can’t do anything else, practice empathy, compassion and kindness. It’s the easiest way to make a change. 

Reach Gia Galindo-Bartley at letters@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.