Letter to the Editor
SOS! During a Memorial Day weekend at the beach, we witnessed a horrific display of public racism when another beachgoer planted a large American flag ten feet from where we sat. My husband thought it was a hilarious prank by a late night show host, like Jimmy Kimmel, but after a few hours we both realized it was no joke.
Our children looked as though they feared for their lives and my husband was sick to his stomach. How can we possibly relax on a beach when transphobic white nationalist racism is so nearby?
Bitchin’ on a Beach in Virginia
Dear Bitchin’,
Ah, summer. This used to be my wife Karen’s favorite time of year. But now she associates it with scorched forest fires, massive heat waves, murdered indigenous children, and, of course, racism. For me, personally, the sight of both the Canadian and American flags immediately brings me back to those horrific anti-mask protests during the deadly COVID-19 Pandemic.
More recently, however, flags of all western democracies have become symbols of hate and colonialism. At our co-op, Karen and I proudly fly the Ukrainian and Palestinian colors alongside the Pride flag, demonstrating the love, acceptance, and freedom those countries have for the 2sLGBTQAI+ community. Anyone who says that Ukraine and Palestine don’t accept same-sex marriages is a right-wing, Putin loving liar. Just check Wikipedia!
My advice to you would be to try flying American or Canadian flags at the beach ironically. Yeah, you heard me. It won’t stop a racist from displaying their own bloody red, white and blue, but you will likely pique the interest of other like-minded revolutionary comrades who share in your core beliefs and you may find that beach vacation elicits some meaningful conversations with fellow communists. What could be better than that!?!
Ciao,
— Kevin
Hey Bitchin’,
I totally understand your issue. There’s nothing worse than having a perfectly good holiday ruined by racism and triggering symbols of oppression, like a country’s flag. The Paris Olympics this summer will be the worst for this unnecessary display of hatred disguised as pride. To avoid this massive problem, my new boyfriend, a Ukrainian refugee, and I went to a more trustworthy source than Kevin’s laughable Wikipedia. ChatGPT. It’s the bot boss when it comes to the truth.
- Understand your triggers: Reflect on why seeing the American flag at the beach triggers you. Are there specific past experiences or associations that come to mind? It might seem obvious why you hate the American flag but if you can narrow down if you hate Trump or Elon Musk more that might help you isolate your trigger-happy middle finger.
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: ChatGPT says that if you notice yourself having negative thoughts or assumptions about the flag or what it represents, challenge them. A recent search of ChatGPT of the safest places to vacation pointed us to a small strip beach in the Mediterranean Sea, situated between Egypt and Israel. My new boyfriend has already booked tickets and we plan on taking two well-deserved weeks to soak up the sun. Thanks to Big Tech, the future is looking bright!
- Engage in Self-Care: Take care of yourself emotionally and physically. ChatGPT says to engage in activities that help you feel calm and centered, whether it’s spending time in nature, practicing a hobby, or plotting the fall of capitalism with your Marxist wine tasting club.
- Seek Support: If your triggers are deeply rooted or difficult to manage on your own, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor advises ChatGPT. Thankfully my fully funded government employee health plan covers a Ukrainian Oil Massage.
— Karen
