In his recent New Rule segment “Mind Over Chatter” Bill Maher responded to the tendency of dealing with Trump with disdain and annoyance, suggesting that too much time is spent on issues that don’t matter. He calls for us to figure out what truly matters and focus our energy on those subjects instead. But in doing so, Bill Maher, in my view, makes flawed arguments and creates damaging implications for advocacy.
One argument of his is that there are “only so many fucks to give.” Fair enough, but only to some degree. It is true that people can share the same sentiment as Bill Maher; after all, with so much already taking up their time, whether that be work, chores, or other responsibilities, they really cannot fight against something as seemingly benign as the Gulf of Mexico’s name change. It is true if we are thinking on an individual level. If, however, we think on a collective level, it is false. Indeed, Bill Maher ignores the reality that there are more than one person able to participate in whatever conversation is at hand. The reality is that we can work as a collective, some caring for one matter, others caring for other matters.
Though he may not admit it, Bill Maher is acting selfishly when disregarding specific matters. For instance, the only denunciation—if we can call it that—he makes about Trump’s executive order to recognize only two sexes is that it should “not really” have happened. Then, he adds that he is simply glad that he is one of the sexes included, dismissing the situation afterwards. But it does matter.
A report by KFF does a great job thoroughly pinpointing all the potential harmful effects of the executive order and updating them as time goes on. I will provide two here: One, “The terms used in the Order include several biological and social inaccuracies which could perpetuate misinformation about LGBTQ+ people and transgender people’s health needs. It also takes steps towards ban[ning] gender care in certain area[s], most explicitly in prisons.” Two, “[T]here have been reports that some health care facilities paused providing youth with gender affirming care, fearing that federal funding would be withheld according to this and another Order relating to youth access to gender affirming care … Withholding care could lead to negative health outcomes for those that require it.”
Similarly, when referencing Greenland, he remarks, “I’ve never thought about it before and I can’t start now.” What kind of response is that? It is, plainly, overlooking just how awful our country has been towards Greenland, which Bill Maher does not address here at all. Anyone who knows anything about it, though, must admit that Trump is pursuing modern-day colonialism.
The implication of Bill Maher’s justification, too, is ridiculous. It is encouraging a self-defeating stance. After all, following his logic, if the problem that is created is a new one (and therefore not one that could have been though of in the past), then there is no reason to bother with it all. (I am guessing he will only think of that new problem if it is a new one for him.)
Like Bill, I am also fortunate to be one of the sexes involved in the executive order. Like Bill, I have also never thought of Greenland. Neither issues are likely to affect me directly. But ignoring it on those grounds is tantamount to the saying “I’m not political” in that it perpetuates a privileged response to politics, one in which what gets my attention depends on if I am affected, rather than on the fact that it affects people. But that is the thing: what he dismissed were actually important.
The implications of Bill Maher’s segment on advocacy must be addressed. Its effect is to discourage. By providing a list of what he has determined matters, Bill Maher makes people feel that they are just being foolish or wasting time if their focus is elsewhere. It is just not the case. As has been pointed out, a lot of what he dismissed does matter and in its own ways. You, dear reader, cannot fight every fight, nor protest at every protest, nor argue against every argument, but regardless, do what you can. Advocacy is always worth it since it always does some good in some way.