Handling the Effects of Shock Doctrine
What Even is the Shock Doctrine?
The shock doctrine is a strategy used by governments or powerful institutions to exploit crises—wars, natural disasters, economic collapses—as opportunities to push policies that would typically face strong opposition. Coined by Naomi Klein, this concept highlights how rapid change is used to implement privatization, austerity, and other disruptive reforms before people can fully process or resist them.
The Intended Side Effects of Shock Doctrine
The goal of shock doctrine is to disorient, overwhelm, and exploit.
Economic Impact: Massive privatization, deregulation, and the loss of public services.
Political Impact: Increased authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and the rollback of civil rights.
Psychological Impact: Collective confusion, fear, and paralysis.
By the time people regain their footing, these policies have already been cemented into place.
How to Handle the Effects of Shock Doctrine
When faced with large-scale, rapid change, it's easy to feel powerless. Here are ways to resist and protect yourself:
1. Limit Doomscrolling and Manage Your Media Intake
The flood of information can be overwhelming. Try setting a media schedule, choosing independent sources, and engaging in intentional media consumption instead of endless doomscrolling.
2. Resist Fear-Based Thinking
Shock tactics thrive on panic. If a crisis is making you feel like "there's no alternative," step back, fact-check, and question the narrative. Rest, connect with others, and avoid catastrophizing.
3. Mobilize Instead of Freezing
Protest and activism matter, but direct action is often more effective. Donate, volunteer, or support organizations doing the groundwork.
How You Can Help
Not everyone is built for the streets, and that’s okay. You may already have valuable skills that can help build resilience in your community.
Legal counsel or data analysis
Public speaking & advocacy
Photography or graphic design
Tech skills or accounting assistance
Writing or editing
Manual labor or event management
Social media influence & marketing
Find where your strengths fit and contribute in ways that are sustainable for you.
Build Your Community
Now more than ever, solidarity is crucial. Finding and supporting queer and trans communities can reinforce resilience and hope.
Find LGBTQ+ allies in GSA or ERG groups.
Engage in queer spaces like community centers, support groups, and artist networks.
Support LGBTQ+ organizations through small businesses, fundraising, and advocacy.
Art as Resistance, Art as Resilience
One of the most powerful tools against oppression is creative expression. Art allows us to process emotions, reclaim narratives, and cultivate resilience.
Write it down – Journaling, poetry, storytelling, essays, even to-do lists.
Make it visual – Painting, collages, photography, stickers, sidewalk chalk.
Get moving – Dance, yoga, pole work, color walks.
Make noise – Learn an instrument, sing, curate playlists, remix soundscapes.
Creativity fosters hope, joy, and endurance, all of which disrupt the mechanisms of shock.
The shock doctrine is designed to make people feel powerless, but resilience and collective action are stronger than fear. Find your role, support your community, and use creativity as a means of resistance.
Thank you for trying to build resilience for yourself and your community. We need you! We love you!
Follow me @RenQComedy for more insights and action steps.
Comments