When I first started writing posts for Chocolate and Politics, I will admit I was a little too self-righteous. I remember sitting at my dimly-lit desk, desperate to fill my time and occupy my hands during a phase of isolation, yearning to engage in activities I had once avoided. I also recall brainstorming names for this blog, focusing less on what they would convey about my writing and more on what they would say about me.
As I finally settled on the name Chocolate and Politics, I felt proud of the three words I had chosen to define myself. “Chocolate” because I am a foodie, a musician, and an avid traveler. “Politics” because I engaged in political activism through my Instagram stories and educated myself via the enlightened world of TikTok.
Over the years of maintaining Chocolate and Politics, I found it increasingly difficult to admit that perhaps the name of the blog I was so proud of did not fully reflect the person I was becoming. Time and again, people would express their anticipation for my next political post, and I would smile back, assuring them it was in progress. Yet, each time I sat down to write about my views on the current state of the world, I found myself mindlessly deleting and rewriting every sentence, scared of offending someone, only to end up staring at a blank screen. I was afraid of becoming too political.
When you’re young and naive, it’s easy to see the world in absolutes. The people I admired, who constantly voiced their opinions on social media, seemed automatically “right.” As I’ve matured, I’ve found it harder to cling to my identity as a political activist—not because I don’t care, but because I no longer see situations as black and white. Even writing that sentence is challenging because it can be interpreted in multiple ways. It doesn’t mean I don’t care. It doesn’t mean I don’t value educating myself or finding ways to assist those who are suffering. And it certainly doesn’t mean I turn a blind eye to ignorance.
It means I recognize the world is more complex than it often appears.
I commend those who speak out against injustice or advocate for political causes they believe in. I hope to learn from them and reclaim the political activist identity I once embraced. For me, not engaging in politics is never an option because I understand it’s a privilege to remain uninvolved. Simply reposting photos on social media and believing it constitutes meaningful action is a privilege. It’s easy to engage in performative activism; it’s difficult to engage in genuine conversations and learn about issues that may not directly affect me today.
To address the questions I’ve received about when I’ll be posting more political articles: the answer is, when I feel it’s warranted. I may not directly address many of the global issues happening today, but I am aware of them. I read the articles, educate myself on the facts, and engage with individuals more knowledgeable than I about the abolition of DEI positions in Florida, the upcoming national election, and the horrific events of the Gaza-Israel conflict. These events don’t exist in isolation, and it’s crucial for me to understand the historical context that has led to the issues I will so vehemently and openly condemn.
I am still as “political” as ever, perhaps even more so now that I’ve developed a nuanced perspective. Chocolate and Politics isn’t going anywhere. It is not rebranding; it’s simply reaffirming what it has always been: a space to learn, grow, and take action—not just because everyone expects me to, but because I genuinely believe I have valuable insights and a well-informed perspective to contribute. Regardless of who you are or what you believe, it’s never too late to join me. Please reach out, read more, and discover the importance of balance. Chocolate is delicious, but you can’t enjoy it without a little bit of politics too.
Happy Living
“The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.” -Herbert Spencer
chocolate and politics 