Disrupt the Narrative: How to Stay Informed and Reclaim Your Power in America
Your cheat sheet on credible sources and making a real impact in a crumbling nation.

We are currently living in one of America's most defining times. After Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, millions of Americans took to social media to express their feelings — whether in outrage or support. This has triggered a major shift, contributing to an increasingly divided nation. Rightfully so, many people across the country feel helpless, anxious, scared, disappointed, and pissed off, fearing they may be stripped of their livelihoods and rights.
Since the new administration took over, the U.S. feels like it’s on the brink of an apocalypse. Digital resources are under attack, with reports surfacing that TikTok is shadow-banning critical global events, such as the LA wildfires and worldwide protests, shortly after Trump called for the app’s restoration following a 12-hour ban. Meanwhile, Instagram users have raised alarms about their accounts mysteriously following the official POTUS and VP accounts without consent. On top of that, essential federal government sites — including “La Casa Blanca” (the Spanish-language White House website), ReproductiveRights.gov, and pages on the Constitution and the presidential biographies — have been shut down. Trump has also called for the dismantling of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, while ICE has detained both immigrants and U.S. citizens, according to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Beyond that, Trump signed actions to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement once again, reversing the country’s climate change policy. The Trump administration has also questioned Native Americans’ birthright citizenship. And this is just a glimpse of what has unfolded in the first four days of Trump’s return to office.
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Understandably, digesting news today is super overwhelming. With all of us leading such busy lives, it’s harder than ever to keep up with politics and the culture surrounding it. Yet, in a time when politics is so pervasive, staying informed, understanding your rights, and actively contributing to society has never been more important. Now more than ever, we must continue the fight for positive change, and this cheat sheet can be a great start.
Also read: Revisiting the Last Era of U.S. Class and Grace: Obama’s Presidency
Disclaimer: This post reflects a blend of the media I consume, the views of individuals I resonate with, and credible, fact-based news sources. If you value human rights for all, free speech, climate change, hardworking immigrants, reproductive rights, and health, this article is for you.
Read articles from reputable media outlets/publications.
Over the years, media has shifted dramatically. Today, many outlets project their perspectives onto the public. While this isn’t inherently wrong, it complicates the pursuit of unbiased, factual information. I believe news consumption should strike a balance between sources that inform without bias and opinion-based outlets. Unbiased reporting helps you think critically without undue influence, while op-eds offer emotional resonance and deeper connection. Both are essential to understanding the world from a well-rounded perspective. Below are some reputable outlets that offer both.
Unbiased:
Strong Op-ed-based:
Follow independent journalists, influencers, important political figures, and other informative accounts in the media.
As an independent journalist, I often turn to independent journalism for deeper insights on complex topics. Many consider it more trustworthy since independent journalists aren’t swayed by publications or editors dictating their work. I also follow influencers and prominent figures whose views on politics and human rights align with mine, as they use their platforms to share resources and advocate for fundamental issues. Below are some of my favorite figures in journalism, media, politics, and culture.
Touré, independent journalist, Culture Fries | @toureshow
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. representative (NY-14) | @aoc
Jack Schlossberg, Vogue political correspondent, and JFK’s only grandson | @jackuno
Tefi Pessoa, digital creator | @hellotefi
Matt Bernstein, acitivist | @mattxiv
Instagram accounts for resources and information: @feminist, @r29somos, @_stillwerise, @shityoushouldcareabout, and @diet_prada
Read physical books — fiction and non-fiction.
While seeking information online is great, there’s something uniquely enriching about physical books — whether they're historical and factual or fiction that touches on relevant themes. Here are a few recommendations to consider adding to your reading list.
The Constitution of the United States of America: The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights by the Founding Fathers
1984 by George Orwell
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison by Jeffrey H. Reiman and Paul Leighton
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Preserve physical archives for future generations.
The internet is a powerful tool for the present, but its future is uncertain. Media could one day be censored or banned, and digital records may not stand the test of time. Documenting our lives on physical paper, as Anne Frank did during the Holocaust, ensures future generations can study and learn from this transformative period in history.
How you can help preserve history:
Write in a physical journal or diary.
Save magazines and newspapers.
Print out important online articles.
Be the change you wish to see.
It’s important to advocate for change and not give up in this fight. Feeling defeated or hopeless is natural, but your actions can still make a difference.
Here is how:
Engage in respectful conversations to exchange ideas and raise awareness.
Post on social media.
Write and hit publish. If you’re a writer, this is your time to shine and use your platform to express yourself. You could be inspiring someone else to do the same.
Subscribe to the World Health Organization (WHO) to stay updated with the latest health info here.
Sign petitions, attend protests, learn your rights, and commit to ongoing research.
Note: In the midst of all this, remember to prioritize your mental health and take breaks from social media and the news cycle when needed.
Thank you so much for reading. If you want to continue supporting my writing, please subscribe, like/comment, and share this article with others. <3 — Jenn