On Deradicalization

The people who have been historically oppressed in the United States are not fragile; not convinced of our own superiority; not weak or overemotional. The folks from more privileged demographics who have made common cause with the disenfranchised are also not weak.

They are strong enough to set aside their own limited self-interest, their insecurity, their need to feel superior--and work together for a world and a society that is better for everyone. To lift up every person, rather than to feel a few inches talled by standing on somebody's neck.

Bullies are weak. Bullies are fragile. Bullies are incapable of making common cause because they too desperately need to make everyone else feel small; it's the only thing that gives them a sense of power.

Real strength is kindness. It's defending someone weaker than you are. It's asking for help and trying to understand rather than assuming you know all the answers.