This was not the history we set out to make.

The Harsh Reality of Voter Apathy and Its Consequences

In a shocking turn of events, the majority of America has spoken -- or, more accurately, remained silent. The result? A twice-impeached, four-times-indicted former president, convicted on 34 felony counts, is once again leading the country.

This was not the history we set out to make.

Even more alarming than the outcome itself is the widespread voter apathy that contributed to it. The reality is that the majority of eligible voters didn’t even show up to cast their ballots. And in doing so, they handed power back to a figure who embodies corruption, misinformation, and chaos.

The Majority of America: A Reality Check

It’s a sobering fact that hasn’t been seen since George W. Bush's re-election in 2004 -- a moment fueled by war-driven patriotism and fear-mongering. But this time, there wasn’t even a manufactured war to rally the masses. Instead, the collective indifference of the American electorate played a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Your neighbors. Your coworkers. The people you pass on the street. They either actively supported this decision or stood by and let it happen.

And if you're among those who either supported this outcome or didn't care enough to vote -- this content isn’t for you. My work is unapologetically progressive, and I refuse to cater to those who prioritize complacency over action.

Creativity, Mental Health, and the Next Four Years

As a creator, I typically focus on the intersection of creative expression, the creative process, and mental health. I’d rather be talking about how my best ideas come from a state of "peak boredom" or sharing monologues about deeply personal experiences. But the truth is, the next four years (and beyond) will have a profound impact on creativity and mental well-being.

This was not the history we set out to make.

The Role of Art in Times of Crisis

Whenever I embark on a new creative project -- a book, a video series, a monologue -- I strive to bring something fresh to the table. A recent example I’m proud of is "KrumbinesBRAIN Watches Stuff," where I combine film commentary with my signature internal debates.

But when faced with the enormity of this national crisis, I found myself questioning what I could possibly add to the conversation. What can I say that hasn’t already been said?

The unfortunate answer: probably nothing.

But since I have this platform, and since you're still reading, here’s what I will say ...

America’s Downward Spiral

The United States is in a state of intellectual and moral decline. Systemic issues like failing education and the rise of mind-numbing social media content have fueled a national brain rot. And let’s not forget the pandemic -- a crisis we’ve collectively decided to ignore.

Despite COVID-19 still claiming thousands of lives each month, the majority of Americans act as if it’s over. Each reinfection chips away at cognitive function, contributing to what can only be described as mass brain damage. Yet, we continue to pretend everything is fine.

The Lowest Common Denominator: A Dangerous Standard

What happens when you mix a pandemic-induced cognitive decline with a voter base drowning in misinformation and apathy? You get an election result that feels like a race to the bottom.

And the worst part? Capitalism thrives on catering to the lowest common denominator. In a world where YouTube success hinges on the first seven seconds of a video, where outrage and oversimplification drive engagement, genuine creativity and critical thought struggle to survive.

Resisting the Decline

So where do we go from here? The answer is simple but not easy: we resist.

We refuse to settle for the lowest common denominator. We support creativity, independent thought, and meaningful conversations. We engage, we vote, and we hold those in power accountable.

This might not be the history we set out to make, but it’s not too late to rewrite the future.

For those still reading, let’s connect. Let’s create. Let’s fight for a world where art, intelligence, and empathy prevail.

Stay creative. Stay engaged. And most importantly -- stay awake.

Jordan Krumbine

Writer, designer, & multi-hyphenate creative madman.

https://emergencycreative.com
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Why I Refuse to Cut Every 4 Seconds: The Case for Slow and Intentional Editing

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Slow Living: A Secret Weapon to Calm a Creative Brain