A Girl's Guide to Surviving Societal Collapse

Written by Jamilla Philson

Image courtesy of Jamilla Philson

1. Collect Physical Media (books, DVDs, CDs, LPs, anything you can get your hands on)

Where do our favorite films go when they’re not on a big streaming platform or available to rent? Collecting physical media used to have worth, it used to have substance. The tangibility of owning media is what made it valuable to us, profitable to the artist, and allowed us to form a deeper sense of connection as consumers. I have been doing this for years because, well...I’m a hoarderand I have an emotional attachment to just about anything and everything.  The importance of physical media is ever urgent in times like this. Just because it is easily accessible on our phone does not mean that we own it and it’ll last forever. This is especially crucial with historical media that regards women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ stories and accomplishments, which will always be targeted and tried to be written over. It is our duty to preserve these stories and be able to pass them onto future generations. All of these mediums exist in a realm of affordability due to the digital age: DVDs for 99c at Goodwill or books for $2-$10 at yard sales, as well as sites like Depop and Ebay. The internet is forever, until it is not, until the freedom and value of knowledge can be altered and challenged. Investing in media will be profitable one day, mark my words!

Image courtesy of Maleigh Zan by Sophia Liv Maguire

2. Log Off / Touch Grass

When they say touch grass, they really mean it. The benefits of touching grass far outweigh doom scrolling. Post-election season is especially difficult; we’re disappointed, we’re angry, we’re drained. The last thing we need to do is wallow in our sorrows online, filled with trolls and hate-spewing rhetoric. Deleting Instagram was honestly the best thing I could do for my anxiety and my brain felt so quiet even 2 days after. Invest in yourself this time! Redirect your anger into action, but also allow yourself to rest, reconnect with nature, read a book, or watch your favorite cozy movie. Social media wasn’t made for times like this and it only feels like it is perpetuating the public’s general anxiety.

Image courtesy of Visaya Hoffie

3. Make Art

I think this is the perfect time to channel what you’re feeling into art. The value of art in this society is becoming increasingly diminished by AI, technology, and lack of education. Whatever we create as individuals is needed now more than ever. It is known that times of frustration often produce some of the most monumental culture and art, which replenishes history and teaches us about one another and our struggles. In making your own art, support others who do as well. That is the only way we can keep our culture running in a time of divisiveness that lacks individuality and compassion. 

Image courtesy of Kaspar Metz

4. Document

Document your life, your friends, and your joys. Like any insecure middle schooler, I never took photos of myself. Now as an adult, I deeply regret that, even our cringiest of phases still deserve to be remembered, as they were once a part of us that we grew from to make who we are today. I take photos and videos of anything and everything I think is of worth (and now my iCloud is crashing, rip). Create a little capsule of your life to look back on, especially when things may not seem as remarkable, because possibly one day they will. Create your own personal museum of you; collections of poems, writings, or photos of a meal you made yourself. While our technology can be some of the most damaging things to us, we must also utilize the privilege and ease it creates for us.

Image courtesy of Funny Pretty Nice Vintage 

5. Shop Secondhand

With the recent tariffs going into effect for foreign imports, clothing will get even more expensive!  This is prime time to lock in and get used to underconsumption, but also time to transform your wardrobe and invest more in second hand pieces (which will also last you longer). This obviously takes form in shopping at thrift stores, but instead of supporting corporations like Goodwill and Salvation Army – who often exploit their employees and greedily spike prices in order for the CEO to receive mega bonuses – target local thrifts and consignment stores who give proceeds to local groups like churches, shelters, and volunteer organizations. You can often find cheaper and better finds in these untouched and unknown places. Estate sales, flea markets, and garage sales also serve as amazing places to cop some cool outfits. And even if you can’t find anything there, it’s always a good idea to raid your parents' closets!

Image courtesy of Getty Images / Don Carl Steffen

6. Stay informed and keep others informed

Knowledge is power, this has become super clear to us in our society in the last couple of years. While we have the accessibility of knowledge and information in our palms, it is paramount to be informed and inform our family and friends, especially when it comes to what is currently going on in politics, how it affects our rights, our money, our healthcare, and our general wellbeing. Be sure to focus on getting information, books, and articles backed by credible and academic sources. With information in the palms of our hands, disinformation is equally as accessible, so stay alert, stay informed, and keep reading. Educating yourself outside of school is a vital way of staying knowledgeable throughout our lives.

Image courtesy of LizzyClara 

7. Community Support

Directing our attention to our communities and investing in them is vital to how we will get through this. Whether this is in the form of donating (if you can of course) to local causes, establishments, and businesses. Support your local library by donating or going to get a library card. Libraries are one of the most valuable additions to our society, and we want to keep them funded and running. Support local cafes and restaurants by recommending them to your friends and family or by treating yourself to a meal at one of them. Support local musicians, concerts, artists, and farmers markets. A lot of these people rely on support from their communities and we need to invest in small businesses and individuals, rather than corporations, if we want to see societal change.