The cost of your silence is greater than the cost of your personal discomfort.
I’ve seen the same message peppered across the internet, especially in early 2026, and particularly with creators, influencers and folks with larger audiences. They don’t want their account or their brand to be “political.” And I get it. It’s hard to speak up when the topics are scary or nuanced or something you’re not at all an expert in.
But is the cost of not saying something higher than feeling your own uncomfortable feelings? I think so.
The USA government is failing its people. They’re murdering citizens, lying to the press and spreading fascist ideals that could leave many more dead. Speaking up isn't simply “political.” It's the right thing to do if you care about the very ideals this country was founded on.
In times of stress, I default to list-making. And so:
7 Ways to Reframe Your Discomfort on Speaking Up for Justice
1 | “I don’t want to ruffle feathers or make others mad.”
The status quo isn't going to create change. Feathers must be ruffled. Comfort has never been the catalyst for justice or progress. Being uncomfortable means you're pushing boundaries and challenging systems that need to be challenged. The people whose feathers need ruffling are often the ones who benefit most from your silence.
2 | “I need my words to be perfect.”
There are no perfect words. Share about your values in a way that feels authentic to you, even if it’s messy or incomplete with nothing tied into a pretty bow. The words we use directly shape our culture, and we need all the honest perspectives we can get.
3 | “I need to learn more first.”
Doom scrolling isn't nearly as impactful as taking even small action. “Learning more” can be a form of procrastination (and therefore inaction). You can learn AND act at the same time. Share what you know, admit what you don't, and then do something about it. (As someone who works in grassroots fundraising, I know that those $10 donations really do help.)
4 | “Talking about fascism doesn’t align with my brand.”
I’m not saying to stop sharing your usual content on social media. You have a business to run, creative work to share. We need your work, joys and inspiration, too. But no matter your work or platform, you can't separate it from what’s happening. It's all intertwined. If you care about the outdoors, art, food, health, business... it’s shaped by policy and political decisions. So talk about that.
5 | “I don’t know enough about politics to share my thoughts.”
These conversations aren’t just "politics." They’re about being a HUMAN and human rights. They’re about values. Speaking your values isn't merely political. It's an effective action if you care about the very ideals this country was founded on, or if you dream of a happier world.
6 | “Everyone’s sharing the same thing online, so I don’t need to.”
Your network is unique to you, If what you share positively shifts even one person, that’s incredible. Your online connections are there because they care about YOUR voice. Someone out there might not have seen a message yet, and seeing it from you might be the start of a ripple effect.
7 | “I only have 40 followers.”
Many folks never post on social media, they just consume. My hope is that you're taking action in person. Some people compare IG to a historical “town square.” So what are we doing when we leave that square, after hearing from the village? Starting a convo? Going to a meeting? Making a donation? Online engagement is one tool, but not the only one.