Intentional reactions, something we need to get good at.

Example of a no smoking sign on a beach, retrieved from Wikimedia.

The significant implications of Trump’s decisions—both those already made and those yet to come—mean that we will all encounter important choices throughout his presidency. And it's best that we think about how we want to react before we actually have to.

We are a week into the Trump presidency and it’s hard to keep track of the multiple executive orders he’s signed and the decisions he has made. Just to name a few: Trump has declared a national emergency and sent military troops to the southern border, he has terminated diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at the federal level and got rid of an anti-discrimination hiring executive order that was established over 60 years ago. Yesterday Trump imposed heavy sanctions on Colombia for refusing to receive deported migrants, arguing the United States government was not treating them with dignity and respect. The U.S. backed down on imposing the sanctions once Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights. 

The significant implications of Trump’s decisions—both those already made and those yet to come—mean that we will all encounter important choices throughout his presidency. And it's best that we think about how we want to react before we actually have to.

A few years ago, I was enjoying a lovely day at the beach with my dad and sister in southeastern Florida where we lived when a wisp of cigarette smoke suddenly hit us in the face. The man next to us was smoking despite it being a smoke free beach. My dad politely asked the man if he could put the cigarette out and reminded him he wasn’t supposed to smoke there. After a brief exchange of passive aggressive comments the man finished off with “I live here and you’re on my beach so get out of here.” My sister, my dad and I were speechless. We just looked at each other without knowing what to say. We also lived there. That was also “our” beach. But we were migrants. I spent the whole ride home fantasizing about how I would have liked to react.

Sometimes, as in this case, anger and pain can leave you momentarily speechless. Other times, those feelings can explode uncontrollably, leading you to say things you regret or put you in dangerous situations. 

To avoid either outcome, I’ve started to reflect on similar scenarios and rehearse how I would respond. What will I do if someone tells me to go back to my country? If a man harrasses me in the street? If someone tells a racist or homophobic joke in my presence? This practice, let's call it "intentional reacting," has been incredibly helpful in managing my anger and ensuring that I communicate the message I want to convey more effectively. It has also helped me make a quick assessment of my surroundings to determine if it is safe to react or not. I’m still learning, and I recognize you can’t possibly have a predetermined reaction for every encounter in life. But you can try to be ready.

So back to the present, we will soon face choices that call for thoughtful and intentional reactions. If anyone can attest to that is Colombian president Gustavo Petro. This weekend, Petro boldly rejected Trump’s inhumane practice of sending deported migrants back to their home country, refusing to participate. However, this unexpected decision came just hours after he had tweeted his willingness to accept the planes. Petro's spontaneous moment of courage had severe consequences for Colombians, as Trump announced on his Truth Social account that he would impose hefty tariffs, visa restrictions for Colombian nationals, and revocations of visas for government officials and their allies, along with other sanctions. After tense exchanges on social media, the United States informed it would back down on the sanctions given that Colombia had agreed to accept the deportation flights. Spontaneous, individual reactions that stand up to fascist power are not the way to go. 

On a more personal level, an ICE agent might show up at your door asking about a neighbor. Your company might follow the federal government’s steps and ask you to tell on coworkers who work in DEI roles. Someone might harass you at a cafe for wearing a symbol that represents your beliefs and values. All of these things are happening already. 

So the best thing we can do is be ready and if possible, have coordinated and organized reactions. How? 

First, we need to make sure we know our rights. We have rights and protections under the U.S. constitution, so let’s use them! When it comes to immigration,  Red Cards are an excellent Know Your Rights resource. If possible, print some and distribute them within your community, ensuring that others are also informed about what ICE and other law enforcement officers can and cannot ask of you.

Second, practice what you would say in different scenarios and develop action plans for when those situations occur. Do brainstorm sessions with trusted groups to get more ideas and come up with collective decisions. Being prepared will help you stay calm when facing difficult situations and allow you to assess the best way to react. 

• What feelings do you anticipate? 

• How do you think those feelings will make you want to react? 

• What could be potential consequences of different reactions? 

Keep your safety in mind as an important factor to consider. 

Last, get involved with movements and organizations that are actively preparing for and resisting the inhumane policies of the current administration. Communities help us realize that we are not alone and that together, we hold a lot of power. So prioritize your social groups, check in on your loved ones and rely on them during these difficult times. I know I have. 

Do you have thoughts on this practice of intentional reacting? Have you done something similar before? I’d love to hear from you!