Out of Their Depth: The Danger of Blind Calls to Action Under Rapid-rising Fascism.
Confluence Daily is your daily news source for women in the know.
By: Lisa Hayes
There’s a dangerous undertone to the rallying cries we hear from certain voices. As fascism takes root, the cost of speaking out is no longer theoretical—it’s real, and it weighs unevenly on different groups of people. But you’d never know that listening to some.
Let’s be wary of voices, particularly white women’s voices, calling for action without grounding in the reality of escalating consequences. Many of these voices expect to be judged by their good intentions, assuming that their “stand up” and “speak out” calls are inherently noble. But intentions are irrelevant when the stakes are this high, and in a climate where words can bring real, immediate harm, actions are everything.
There’s a tidal wave of “use your voice” sentiment sweeping through our feeds, but let’s get real about what’s at stake. These calls are inspiring, yes—but inspiration isn’t going to shield us from what’s coming. The penalties for standing against authoritarianism aren’t evenly distributed.
Black, Indigenous, queer people, and others marginalized by race and class—have always known the risk of stepping out of line in ways many white women haven’t. Their call to speak is seasoned by an understanding of what it actually costs to stand up. So, when vague, enthusiastic voices insist “stand up” and “speak out,” it’s crucial to ask how deeply they grasp the dangers and for whom those dangers loom largest.
The truth is, none of us fully understand the consequences of rapid-onset fascism. Believing we can predict the scope of what’s coming is not only naïve but perilous. This isn’t a situation where assuming we know the risks will protect us—underestimating the potential impact could get people imprisoned or killed. The regime we’re dealing with is one that could turn on anyone at any time, and anticipating its next moves is a gamble with lives.
This moment demands more than good intentions; it requires a crystal-clear understanding of the risk-to-reward ratio. Even those who could previously rely on certain privileges are at heightened risk now. A regime leaning toward fascism doesn’t care about individual identities; eventually, dissent will endanger everyone. But we need a realistic perspective on this shift—one that understands whose voices have historically been most at risk and recognizes the disparity in consequences.
Before you act on someone else’s call to arms, take a step back and assess the field. Reflect on what you’re willing to put on the line and what it could cost you or those you love. The call to “use your voice” is not a one-size-fits-all mandate, especially not now. Not every voice urging you to stand understands what they’re asking, and not every call to action is rooted in the full weight of reality. The days of blissful oblivion are behind us, and the risks are real, fierce, and unpredictable.
Take a moment. We’re entering a time where no one, truly no one, can afford to be naïve. If you’re going to speak, know why and know the price you may pay. And when you hear the next impassioned call, especially if it comes without an understanding of cost and consequence—know that not all voices can be trusted in this fight. This isn’t about feeling empowered; it’s about navigating the very real dangers of our time. Actions, not intentions, are what matter now.
Lisa Hayes is a life coach, coach trainer, author, and editor of Confluence Daily. She specializes in social, social justice, political issues, and mental health. Her work has appeared in publications like Huffington Post and Real Simple. She is also the Communications Director for a local fire department in Mexico. You can find Lisa at www.lisamhayes.com or www.thecoachingguild.com.
