when people say "don't complain it could be worse" // #toxicpositivity #selfcare #antifascist

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:00]Don't complain, it could be worse.

[00:00:02]>> [laughter] >> A phrase you hear far too often on the internet or maybe from that one family member or friend who's suckling the teat of toxic positivity and feels you should, too. And if you're like me, you've also heard it in various activist circles.

[00:00:19]After all, there's so many horrible things happening in the world.

[00:00:24]Ow. That those was not being traumatized by war and genocide, who were we to complain, right? Guilt is actually harmful, so let's break it down. Let's take the following two statements. What is happening in Palestine for an example is immensely wrong and [ __ ] up. So unless you're also experiencing genocide or something equivalent, Jesus Christ, your life in comparison is probably pretty cushy. But also, maybe you're going through something that while not as bad, still [ __ ] challenging. Like two planets in the same solar system, these two truths can exist at the same time. And not only do they not negate each other, but it's in our collective best interest we hold space for both.

[00:01:06]When we repress how we feel or even feel bad for how bad we're feeling, it only drains our energy and makes us more prone to burnout, which limits our ability to show up at our fullest potential. Not only for ourselves, our loved ones, our community, but also, yes, the resistance.