Signs of a Political Addiction

I know y’all some political addicts and I promise to be more patient — for realz.

I came at y’all hard recently over how y’all be clinging to traditional politics like a bunch of crack addicts. Y’all probably be thinking “Fuck Pink! They don’t know what the hell they talking about!” I be laughing, even though I know it’s not funny. Addiction is real, and one the hardest things to get an addict to do is admit they have a problem. Here some signs to figure the shit out for y’all self.

Importance: Do you consider your political affiliations an essential part of your life? How often is the shit on your mind? Do you base your opinions of others on their political affiliations? Are you able to hear the political opinions of others as anything other than a threat to your own values? Do you cling to your political activities as the only valid way to be politically engaged?

Reward response: When you’re doing the shit or giving your focus to the shit, does it make you feel like things are easier to manage in your life? Of course that might just be an illusion as thing continue to fall the heck apart. Do you consider yourself a “good” person because of your political leanings? Does the thought of engaging differently upset your ass?

Prevalence: When it comes to politics, this one is tricky. Elections only pop up every so often. The question here is, have you put all your political eggs in the election basket? Do you see voting as a magic bullet to “fix things?” Do you think the world would be a better place if most people held your political views?

Cessation: Like a food addiction, you have to engage in some kinda politics. It’s part of your civic responsibility in the system we have. When it comes to politics, does the thought of things happening a different way make you anxious? Or worse, do you agree that this system is flawed but you take no steps towards trying to change the system? Do you feel like you are trapped on a merry-go-round but can’t get off, even if you want to?

Disruption: Does your focus on politics disrupt other aspects of your life? Has your emphasis on getting out the vote taken precedence over other forms of engagement, like getting to know your neighbors or going to block association meetings on a regular basis or learning about what’s happening in your own neighborhood?

Reverting: Do you tell yourself you’re gonna change things, but never manage to take the first steps to having a deeper social engagement? Do you make excuses for why it’s pointless to try and make meaningful change in your community, city or state? Do you perhaps see your current engagement as pretty pointless, but keep on doing the same thing regardless?

That’s all just a little bit to think about. Maybe you’re not an addict, but admitting it is the first step to recovery.