In Brooklyn, progressives are increasingly moving beyond self-satisfaction and are more seriously confronting reality, actively seeking answers to combat fascism. When engaged, many individuals express opposition to fascism but need encouragement to take concrete action. Flyers promoting a collective organizing effort prompted interest, especially among Black people, particularly women; however, a gap remains between recognition and actual participation in activism.
Local politics, such as the campaign for Zohran Mamdani, raise questions about whether community efforts can effectively counteract fascism, with some politicians advocating for “Trump-proofing” NYC through local defenses and court challenges. Yet, these measures are often seen as insufficient against the overwhelming federal tide of fascism.
Engaging people in political offense against the regime is crucial, but many hesitate to openly support mobilizations like the planned event on Nov. 5. Advocates stress the urgency of action, urging those with influence to help galvanize a collective response against the autocratic forces threatening democracy, emphasizing that complacency could lead to dire consequences.