Lydia Ponder > Recent Status Updates

“The empire may claim fear of violence because the fear of violence justifies any measure of violence in return.”

“It’s come to shape the way I think about every country, every community: Whose non-existence is necessary to the self-conception of this place, and how uncontrollable is the rage whenever that non-existence is violated?”

“While the terrible thing is happening—while the land is still being stolen and the natives still being killed—any form of opposition is terroristic and must be crushed for the sake of civilization. But decades, centuries later, when enough of the land has been stolen and enough of the natives killed, it is safe enough to venerate resistance in hindsight.”

“It is a hallmark of failing societies, I’ve learned, this requirement that one always be in possession of a valid reason to exist.”

“I feel like I’ve been navigating the world with my vision obscured, trying to keep up with white people with a 400-year head start. Plus, when they cross the finish line, they just keep dragging it with them.”

“But survival is not primarily an act of individual will, of course. It’s an act of collective will.”

“I could make a career out of worrying, if only anyone would pay me.”

“It’s hard.”

“What is?”

“Being alive.”

“It is,” Arthur agreed.