Joan Baez: Here’s how to get over 'dictator phobia' and resist Trump's war on democracy

Social Change & Risk - Social change requires individuals to take risks, which is becoming increasingly daunting [1][24] - The current political climate is perceived as worse than the 1960s due to extreme polarization and cruelty [1][2] - The importance of community and "glue" in resistance movements, highlighting a sense of togetherness and shared purpose [2][3] Political Commentary - Criticism of the overuse of the word "unprecedented" to describe current events, suggesting it normalizes extreme situations [1] - Concern over the rise of authoritarian tendencies and the potential for a shift away from democracy [11] - The need for individuals to engage in activism and support causes they believe in, even if their efforts seem small [3][25] Art & Activism - Art, especially music, transcends barriers and provides inspiration during desperate times [7][9] - The circus as a form of denial and a refuge representing everything the current administration opposes, such as joy, dancing, and diversity [9] - The importance of artists using their platforms for good, while acknowledging the fear that may prevent some from doing so [10] Personal Resilience - The concept of "hope as a muscle" that needs to be strengthened through action and engagement [3] - The need for denial (around 85%) as a coping mechanism to avoid depression, while still engaging in meaningful action (10%-15%) [3] - Finding joy and beauty as acts of defiance and sources of personal strength [13]