Hello friends. I’m at a bit of a loss quite frankly. We are a week into the new year and have undoubtedly witnessed domestic terrorism. An assault on our nation’s Capitol, brought on by the President and his supporters. There has been a lot of discussion on social media this week about influencers and bloggers and where our responsibility lies in all of this. Some feel they do not need to address the events of this week, or anything “political” because they are not the news. They say they want to provide an escape for their readers and followers, a place of positivity and happiness.
We would all like an escape, that is true. But I would also argue it is the duty of anyone with a platform to use it in a responsible way. It is immensely irresponsible to have such a large platform and to use it only for self-serving purposes. I do not expect others with large platforms to be the news or to post or discuss politics regularly, but I do feel it is important to meet the moment. To pretend as though your platform can only used for positivity and an escape, is to completely disregard your immense privilege that you have the ability to do so.
My friend Emily shared something yesterday that I am paraphrasing but I think embodies how those of us with a platform need to use our influence. She said “The conversation in the public square is phenomenally important. It’s where we all determine our shared values and interests, and it is human nature to be swayed by ones community. Believing in conspiracy theories related to overthrowing our government has been normalized in some communities….the only way to change that is a public reckoning in the modern public square: social media.”
Integrity is important to me. I want the people in this community to know where I stand, and I think at this point, that is pretty clear. I don’t always get things right, and we don’t always agree on everything, and that is ok. But I feel it is my duty and responsibility to create a community where we go beyond escapism and positivity to address the real issues we face. We can not leave people wondering where we stand on conspiracy theories, racism, social injustice, white privilege and power, science, and the gross inequalities we face in this country. I can not stand by and watch some of my peers gaslight communities with toxic positivity and an excuse of escapism, when the reality is many Americans can not escape the danger they face on a daily basis, perpetuated by people in power (and that includes those with influence).
I am immensely grateful for this community of passionate women who continue to show up for the escapism AND the activism. And I strongly believe we can have both, and I will continue to create a community that fosters constructive conversations, empowering one another, and using the influence we have to create a better world for generations to come.
If you’re looking for something to buy, try, read, share or pin, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the best of the week…
Jess (J) & Caylin (C)
Click. Read. Love. 1.8.21
Why everyone is talking about primal scream therapy.
An important podcast to listen to from The Daily, An Assault on The Capitol. This is difficult to hear but gives a comprehensive understanding of what happened throughout the day on Wednesday.
The unbearable whiteness of storming the capital.
Try this recipe for spicy potatoes with a tahini and soy—I made this last weekend from Ottolenghi’s new cookbook, Flavor, and it was amazing. The tahini sauce would taste good on anything. (C)
I finally replaced my snowboarding pants and jacket after many years. I found this sustainable brand Picture Organic on Backcountry. They use organic and recycled materials. They run small, I got these bibs and this jacket both in size medium and I can’t wait to use them on the slopes. (J)
Here’s what successful people do when they’re unhappy at work.
From Jessica Yellin on integrity, principled responsibility and ending the era of self-promotion.
Georgia, we love you! Everything you need to know about voting rights and how to keep fighting to ensure all voices in our country are heard.
The battle for the soul of our country rages on. Democrats have the opportunity to create real change over the next 2 years. Will they seize it?
This new lip conditioning balm from Ilia Beauty is really good for dry, chapped lips. (J)
RI locals, who else is pretty excited to check out the new drive through Plant City location in Middletown?!
How to live with the fact that death is now a part of our daily lives.
Have you watched Dare Me on Netflix? Like the show You, it’s gaining in popularity since it moved to the Netflix platform.
Just in case you’re curious about how the 25th Amendment works…there’s been a lot of talk about it and it’s important to understand the entire process.
I’ve been using this new serum from Tatcha at night and it’s incredible. Amazing for fine lines, hydration and skin surface texture. (J)
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So much yes to this.
Thank you Jenn appreciate your support.
Thank you for this!
Thanks Jess.
Thank you for using your platform and your voice to educate/inform/encourage/push your readers. I think your balance is fantastic. I’ve unfollowed 70% of the blogs/instagram accounts I follow for the same reason I can’t watch superfluous tv right now – it feels shallow and empty and unnecessary (for me). I want to consume things that matter now more than ever. If it’s sprinkled with a great eye cream, or parenting stuff great. But we as a nation need to find our soul again. And that means digging deep not chilling in the shallow end with a cocktail. (but maybe we should still have a cocktail)
Thank you Melanie. I totally agree and I appreciate you. Thanks for being here.
Thank you so much for putting this into the words I’ve been desperately searching for. I respect you so much and what you stand for — please keep shining your light.
Thank you Krystal. I appreciate you and likewise, have so much respect for all you continue to share and shed light on your platforms.
Proud of you, Jess. I appreciate the way you use your voice and your platform. Thank you for doing your part.
Be well.
Thank you so much Colleda. I appreciate you.
Thank you for this. Sending you light and love as we all try to navigate this the best way we know how.
Thank you very much.
Unfollowed a lot of people this summer and even more yesterday. Thanks for this, Jess. I appreciate the ways in which you’ve been thoughtful about your platform and your voice.
Jess, thank you so much for your thoughts and candor. I always find what you say/post politically to be so on the nose, and very informative and helpful. Curious what your thoughts are on influencers/people staying silent when some people just can’t muster the energy mental health wise to deal? I feel like every one copes in different ways, and some people sometimes need to take a step back, etc. I’m struggling with trying to give people the space they need to cope and do things that align with their mental health needs, but also trying to hold people accountable.
Also adding- I guess I more mean people who aren’t posting anything at all, not necessarily the people who are posting their regular content. In my opinion if you have the mental capacity to post a normal swipe up, you should be able to post about this horrific event. But I have noticed some people I follow just not posting anything at all for the past few days. Do you take that silence to be the same? Or do you see it as someone taking their space to process, grieve, etc. ? I’m not sure how I feel, and always respect your opinion!
wow, appreciate !