In this minisode of The Persistence, Angélica Cordero takes a hard look at the phrase “If you see something, say something” and what it’s really taught us about staying quiet, staying safe, and staying out of it. From civic culture to everyday behavior, this episode breaks down how silence often gets framed as maturity or common sense—when in reality, it can protect power and delay change.
Through moments in history, civil rights struggles, and cultural flashpoints, Cordero shows how refusal, disruption, and non-cooperation have always been part of how progress actually happens. Silence doesn’t just happen. It’s encouraged. It’s rewarded. And it has a history.
This episode explores:
* Why “staying out of it” is rarely neutral
* How power relies on compliance and quiet participation
* The real cost of opting out when things go wrong
* How refusal and non-cooperation create pressure for change
* Why these patterns keep repeating today
This episode was written by and produced by Angélica Cordero, with a little help from ChatGPT.
Our theme song is Don’t Kid Yourself Baby by Fold, used with their blessings. Podcast artwork for The Persistence features Mexican-American activist Jovita Idar and was created by Tamra Collins of Sunroot Studio.
Resources For Fellow Wascally Wabbits
Links
“There’s Nothing I Enjoy More Than Acting In The Theater” - Ian McKellen EXTENDED INTERVIEW (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)
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