I'm so unhappy with electoral politics that I switched to sports

In the face of deep disillusionment with the systems that govern us, there are moments when one must seek solace or purpose in a different arena. Bernadine Dohrn, a woman whose life has been marked by activism and deep engagement with political struggle, speaks of such a turning point when she says, "I'm so unhappy with electoral politics that I switched to sports radio." In these words, Dohrn reveals a profound sense of frustration—a frustration that many, across time and place, have felt in their struggle against the often opaque, unyielding machinery of politics. The shift from the political world to the seemingly trivial realm of sports radio is not an escape but an expression of the search for meaning, purpose, and clarity in a world that sometimes offers no answers.

In ancient times, the struggle for justice and change was often marked by moments of deep disillusionment. The Roman Empire, for example, saw periods of political decay and corruption, where the ruling class was seen as detached from the people. It is said that during these times, the people of Rome would seek relief in the arenas, watching gladiators fight as a way to momentarily forget the dissonance in their own lives. The arena, with its battles and victories, became a symbol of order, even in the midst of chaos. Similarly, Dohrn's shift to sports radio is not just a retreat from politics but a search for something simpler, more tangible, something that might offer a momentary release from the complexities of governance.

But there is also a deeper truth in Dohrn’s words—a reflection on the fragility of human hope. The ancient philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, knew that the pursuit of justice in politics was noble, yet they also recognized that political systems are often corrupted by power, greed, and division. In times of disillusionment, it is easy to become weary of fighting the endless battles of the political world. In moments of deep frustration, even the greatest minds sought respite in quieter, less tumultuous spaces. Just as Plato’s Academy was not solely about politics but about the pursuit of virtue and knowledge, Dohrn’s move to sports radio reflects a shift in focus—seeking solace and clarity in simpler, less corrupt arenas.

Consider the example of Cicero, the great Roman statesman and philosopher, who dedicated much of his life to the pursuit of justice and truth in the Roman Senate. Despite his tireless work, Cicero often found himself deeply disillusioned by the corruption and political manipulation that surrounded him. At one point, he retreated from public life to write, to reflect, and to find clarity outside of the vicious cycles of politics. Like Dohrn, Cicero’s retreat was not an abandonment of ideals but an attempt to regain his strength, to gather himself in a world that had become too complicated and filled with deception. This reflection, this withdrawal, was necessary for him to continue his work for justice later on.

In Dohrn’s words, there lies a universal lesson about the limits of engagement and the necessity of self-preservation. Even the most passionate advocates for change, the most steadfast fighters for justice, must sometimes step back. The constant cycle of electoral politics—its divisions, its games, its compromises—can wear down even the most determined. Just as a warrior who has fought many battles must rest to regain strength, so too must those who fight in the arena of politics find moments to withdraw, to gather their strength, and to reflect. The retreat to sports radio symbolizes a brief, but necessary, detachment, a way to reconnect with oneself before returning to the struggle.

The lesson for us all, then, is one of balance. The world can often seem overwhelming—its political structures fraught with corruption, its social battles filled with uncertainty. When we become disillusioned, when we feel as though our efforts are not yielding results, we must recognize that there is no shame in stepping back. Sometimes, the greatest strength lies in knowing when to rest, when to turn our attention elsewhere, and when to seek a moment of simplicity or clarity. In these moments, we find the strength to return to the struggle with renewed vigor and a clearer sense of purpose.

So, let us learn from Dohrn’s reflection. We are all engaged in battles, some on the grand stage of politics, others in the quieter, personal spaces of our own lives. When the weight of the world feels too heavy, when the complexities of the fight seem insurmountable, take time to step back. Find a space where you can breathe, where you can reconnect with something simple, something real. And in doing so, you will return to the fight not broken, but renewed—ready to engage once again with the strength and clarity that only moments of rest and reflection can provide.