Under the Influence in America

I barely even know how to start writing this post- I have so many things that I’ve been ruminating on and considering in the past 36 hours. One thing that is crystal clear to me though is that we are at a pivotal moment in American history. It’s been a long time coming (I cannot type that without singing it like Taylor), but I do think we are at that crossroads where if we don’t DO something, we are in peril as a country. Hell, as humans! And what’s required in this moment is not passive participation and silent head nodding while others do the work. It’s active engagement, in big or small ways, letting the world know where you stand regarding human decency and actual democracy.

And that responsibly does fall double on anyone with a platform, like it or not. And while I personally have always felt the responsibility to speak up on issues that matter to me, it’s been a little bit lonely- especially in the world of design and lifestyle. I get it, it’s easier and way more profitable to stay silent. To not “get political” and potentially lose followers or clients- and to a degree, sure, I can comprehend that. A lot depends on your geographic location, employment, safety concerns, current status as a citizen, etc. I recognize that not everyone can speak freely, a privilege I do cherish. And obviously none of us are politicians, nor do we want to be (at least I certainly don’t)- so smaller, local or less scary issues perhaps have not felt like waters you’ve wanted to wade into. Or maybe even bigger ones. Keep things pretty, keep them calm. Preserve professional boundaries and your sense of “peace”. I get it. I truly do.

But this is different. This is a very critical, obvious time where as an INFLUENCER who shares with groups of people your advice, direction and guidance you do have a responsibility to be clear about your feelings about the state of the country right now. I think the adage to never mix “politics” with business is getting rustier and dustier by the minute. If we stop being so scared of “breaking the rules” and speaking up together, that volume could move mountains. This is the first time I’ve ever made such a broad statement, but I am ten toes down on this one. After consuming all the videos, evidence and undeniable gaslighting by the most powerful people in the government, maybe the world, it feels like a really evil and frankly, idiotic, plot to a horror film. I saw one person I follow, whom I’ve liked following for years, say in a really vexing series of posts “I mean, is there really a right side here??”

YES. Abso-fucking-lutely yes, there is a RIGHT SIDE. And I want to know if you’re on it.

And, by the way, the sides aren’t democrat versus republican- no, no-it’s right versus wrong. It’s morality versus depravity. It’s state sanctioned murder versus due process. Yes ma’am, there is a very, very clear right side to this issue facing us. The questions like- are we going to become a fascist state where the government is allowed to execute citizens in broad daylight? Arrest and detain people with no warrants? Terrorize communities with masked men whose whole missions is to instill fear? I hope to God not. I don’t believe any of those things are proud of tenets any American political party I’m aware of.

And if you ARE a Republican, saying “hey, I do not support this” does not instantaneously make you a liberal either, it makes you a compassionate human who cares about the future of America. Maybe you feel strongly about other Republican values, you can still denounce the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Again, this is not a political thing, this is a humanity thing.

This ask heard loud in the past 24 hours by followers and fans to “use your voice” does NOT mean everyone needs to post multiple times, or write verbose missives like this- not every influencer knows what to say, feels like sharing a lot, enjoys writing or speaking to the camera. But there are plenty of graphics and statements you CAN repost to at least signal your acknowledgement and awareness of what’s going on in America. Posting content as usual, like nothing is going on (to me) feels at best tone deaf and worst grossly privileged. No one is asking you to change who you are or what you share day to day, but they are asking for acknowledgment that you too are scared, angry and concerned about where we are as a country. Show some true humanity instead of perfectly curated outfits and homes. Show that you see it. Feel it. GET IT.

And look, I understand that this is how many people make a living and the economic impact is important. Me too. And I also have several employees that count on me to provide for them, overhead to pay and obligations to fulfill. But I am also, and most importantly, a mother. And I have an obligation to stand up against real evil and model for them how, when and why to do that. I want to be able to tell them when this happened that I did not sit idly by and stay silent because it was safer and “less controversial.” I also want to know it for myself.

I wish NONE of us had to “get political”, trust me. I would so much rather be sharing my favorite winter coats and best paint colors to use on millwork. I wish I could just send my girlfriends 18 stupid memes of raccoons in a row instead of watching clips of people being shot in the face over and over and then being told not to believe my own eyes by the president. I wish we could all live in the pretty, curated bubble projected by our socials- but we can’t. Not if we want our children to grow up in a fair, just and thriving society.

That desire my friends, is vastly more important than any number of followers. We can do two things at once- be beacons of beauty AND truth. Share lots of wonderfully fun and entertaining content while at the same time acknowledging the deep wounds we are experiencing in our culture. It only gives you more credibility and influence in the end, to show who you are behind the pretty pictures, to show there is heart and depth to you outside of the frame.

Be safe, be brave, be loud-

Erin