Empathy and Action: The Path to Inclusive Liberation

Chris Pratt, December 27th, 2026

We hear it all the time: “We need community to get through the horrendous shit we’re about to see.” Even from those supporting the current political personality, corporation, or police activity, the sentiment remains. This is for those of us looking to align ourselves with justice and a brighter world.

Revolutionary action is extremely fluid and organic, just as we are. What works for us in the Pacific Northwest may not work in Central Florida. Though we suffer from the same structures, our communal identities and practices will differ enough that we need to adapt and be proactive about how our community is activating rather than reactive. Are you prepared for the conversations that may potentially happen? Do you have spaces in mind for communal support? What resources are accessible to EVERYONE in the community, not just those with access to capital?

With this in mind, WHO are you targeting to join your activism? If you have been in revolutionary circles, at some point you may have heard the phrase “an ounce of praxis is worth a ton of theory.” What does this mean? Well, we can take all the liberating theories in the world, but if you’re not willing to work within your community, it doesn’t mean squat. This means YES, working with people who may think or act differently than you. This is a tough pill to swallow. A) We have to unlearn the dehumanizing behavior and hatred. B) It means we have to TRUST that the people we’re working with have our interests at heart just as much as we have theirs. This is where it gets tough. Please sit with these next two questions. They have helped me and so many others come to the conclusion that our idea of liberation was only in self-interest.

Does a free world include everyone?

How do we include everyone?

If you’re still reading this, congratulations; you have a base level of empathy that so many refuse to acknowledge. Love and empathy are the foundational structures of liberation. Do you think John Brown fought plantation owners for self-interest? Yes, John Brown was extremely violent; however, he had enough empathy to see the wrongs occurring in our society. Now, did John Brown’s actions build a bridge for the slave master to not be a slave master, or did it take the option away from them?

That is the level we need to consider. Are we allowing people the opportunity to change their minds, or are we taking away the option before it has a chance to present itself?

I will leave you with these questions in hopes that through that darkness, we can move forward. With love not only for ourselves but for the people hurting and suffering with us, I hope to build a new world with you.

-TwoToneTrouble