If there’s anything we’ve mastered as people of color over centuries of systemic oppression, it’s the art of the clandestine hustle. Nothing like spending 400 years perfecting the craft of slipping through the cracks of institutions that were never designed for us in the first place. It’s practically a cultural heritage at this point, this inherited savvy to access the freedoms casually handed to others. Let’s just tap into that ancestral strategic finesse, shall we?

First I want you to understand what the actual word “subversive” means.

Subversive [adjective]

Seeking or intending to subvert an establishment, institution, or system.

With that you also have to understand the word Nature in this context.

Nature [adjective form]

 being used in adjective form means an inherent quality, feature, or aspect.

When you put the 2 words together you get a descriptive statement “Subversive Nature”.

This usually is a tendency to destroy systems, establishments, or governments.

Ok, now to the grit

Now that we understand the terminology, let’s look at how it applies to our everyday lives. We have to use everything at our disposal to further our resistance when possible. For some the most radical acts of resistance start when deciding on the latte or the espresso in the corporate break room, while for others it’s choosing which cleaners to use before mopping the floor. In a security briefing I learned that the most dangerous person in any facility is the janitor. However by the same token, an executive assistant takes all the notes and does all the dirty work for the “executive” is equally dangerous. 

Both have unlimited access combined with very little vetting, and no one questions what they are doing as long as the have a broom,or a clipboard, So, when you’re not too busy climbing the capitalist ladder or ensuring it’s sparkling clean, take a moment to channel your inner whistleblower. Document everything and relay that information to a reputable source. but do so anonymously so you can remain a viable resource. navigating this labyrinth might get a tad more complex with time, but let’s face it, what’s a revolution without a little inconvenience? After all, you’re not just gathering intelligence; you’re craftily weaving the very fabric of change. Go ahead, be the Rebel Without A Pause.

Know all, trust few.

In this battlefield, information isn’t just good, it’s the freaking gold standard. Leveraging the cracks and crevices of our circumstances to siphon off details, insights, and swaying decisions is the art of war in the modern age. Got someone meddling against your mission? Don’t cower from engaging them, keep your foes close but their secrets closer, drip-feeding them only scraps that won’t trip you up. But remember, this two-way street is lined with mines; they’ll be playing you just the same.

 Here’s a wake-up call: treat your allies with the same calculative coldness. Those cozy chatters willing to spill their guts at the drop of a hat? Yeah, they’re blabbermouths to the enemy too. 

Malcolm Nance (Youtube Channel) and Andrew Bustamante (Youtube Channel) are  former CIA agents who now do freelance reporting and pod casts. I follow them on almost every platform of social media I’m on personally (Which is only 2) while I don’t agree with everything they say, the accuracy of the information they provide is influential, and if you understand nuance, you will understand them clearly.

Never take unwarranted actions or risks

We all know acting recklessly without any thought to consequences is the hallmark of sound strategy. However, If you can’t give a good reason for your actions, probably best to sit this one out, champ as to avoid that dreaded exposure— Keep your moves to what’s absolutely critical, because success is so much more likely when you’re not jumping on every shiny thing like a cat chasing a laser pointer. If things get to hot, just chill. Take up birdwatching, but study the flock you’re trying to blend in with. Eventually you’ll see a risk-free opening, but remember the goal is to protect your secret identity. And if things start to smell fishy, remember, it’s not giving up if you bail—it’s strategically retreating. There’s always another chance around the corner, because life is just brimming with low-risk opportunities.

Be prepared to act and react accordingly and proportionately

Before you take any action, preparation is a necessity. I know, I know – it sounds excessive, but trust me, planning every step down to the letter is critical for success. Allow for some flexibility and variance, sure, but having a basic plan to follow? That will almost always bump up your chances of success. Once you’ve got the patterns and behaviors down, mentally rehearsing will also help you get cozy with executing your plans and spotting where you need to tweak things. Keep in mind acting accordingly proportionately means removing one’s capacity to retaliate in every way shape and form. So what ever actions you take need to be planned out, thought through, and rehearsed, prior to any execution. You must have your resources, supplies, transportation, communication, backup plan and exit strategy in place and readily available to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, so you are ready when opportunities present themselves.

This is your country, do not give it away freely or easily.

For over 400 years, we have been warriors and peacemakers for our country. Imagine! People of color have been the underdogs, the scapegoats, and then risen as unbeatable, world-renowned American heroes. What a rollercoaster! And now, we’re stepping into an incredible era of opportunity.

Right now, folks across the globe are getting it twisted. They think people of color in America are just kicking back, comfortable or indifferent to the whirlwind happening in our homeland. The narrative being spun to them non-stop? It’s a flashy, superficial reel showcasing sexual promiscuity, athletic prowess, entertainment genius, and financial whims—broadcasted so widely, it’s practically drowning us. But let’s clear the air: those facets have their moments of glory, sure. But when that’s all the world sees, it’s no wonder we’re struggling to be taken seriously. And let me tell you, being taken seriously is non-negotiable.

Our every move needs to be strategic, captured, and shared far and wide, with tactful anonymity if needed. And if a plan doesn’t pan out? We play it cool publicly, dive deep into a strategic review behind the scenes, and come back stronger. We’ve seen it before: conservative media flipping the script, turning what should be a setback into a rally cry. They’ve mastered the art of turning the tide in their favor—proof that the right spin can make or break public perception. 

When it comes to reshaping the narrative

It’s time to get crafty—not just in how we change the story directly but in the subtle, everyday choices we make. Perhaps our wallets aren’t overflowing, but we can still be fierce in deciding where to spend our hard-earned cash. Choosing to support businesses that stand with our community isn’t just a statement—it’s a move towards the unity and strength we desperately need. In this pivotal moment, we must set aside old grievances and build bridges. Even a simple partnership, wisely chosen, is a step towards the monumental triumphs we’re aiming for. Let’s rise together, stronger and undeniably united!