“I read the news today, oh boy…”
We had planned an article on tile design for you this week. Both Alissa and Jess fell in love with special collections just released by two local tile makers (we’ll talk about that next time), but it would be a disservice to all of us to not pause and take in the gravity of local, national, and international news.
We talk a lot about how consumer behaviour is influenced by the amount of certainty in the world. A shakier environment leads people to stay home, stay in their “safe” corners, make conservative choices and take fewer risks. Of course we’re seeing shades of that in the real estate market, but the most bizarre phenomenon is that despite the madness and unpredictability of our times, real estate marches on in the inner East Bay.
In fact, so much of our world marches on for so many of us, despite the fact that our neighbors and friends fear the next ICE raid around the corner, transgender and queer rights are being actively stripped before our eyes during Pride Month, democracy is being systematically chipped away by a regime that is acting quite fascist, and our friends and family are directly impacted by the events in Ukraine and the Middle East. We hide in our “safe” places by scrolling Instagram and call it activism when we “like” someone’s pithy post about No Kings.
There’s no one way to be an activist. I recently saw a clever approach called “microfeminism” where everyday choices slowly move the needle in the direction of putting women first. My microfeminism activism? I always put women first in our contracts for signature. A tiny gesture towards upending societal norms that assume the man will be listed first.
My point is this: whether you’re comfortable donating to the ACLU from the comfort of your couch, marching alongside peaceful protestors at a No Kings rally today, writing letters to your local representatives, or throwing a bake sale to raise funds for your local food shelter, do something. Do. Something.
We’ll talk your ear off about real estate all day long - at this point you know we can help you on that front! But it’s time to engage with your community and the issues that matter most to you. It’s a weird world right now, but it’s not to time to check out. Let’s get our hands dirty, together.
