I've always been proud to be able to say that I have both acquaintances AND friends who sit squarely on both sides of the political aisle, and quite a few who saunter across lines, hover in the extremes, as well as those who are intentionally detached as well as simply inattentive. Most people label me clearly "liberal", a term that doesn't thrill me, nor do I think really fits anyone anymore (I'm sure quite a few folks would be surprised at some of my viewpoints, but if you really wanna know, you can ask). Same goes for "conservative". Never been a huge fan of labels to begin with, as I find them far too simplifying and compartmentalizing, and generally don't place them on others. Mostly because I know what people don't know about me, so I presume that conversely, there's plenty I don't know about everyone else.
Why anyone would choose to label themselves is beyond me, quite frankly. Why pigeonhole yourself? It's easy, I suppose. You don't have to explain yourself, I guess. Though you never really have to - I find those that do, are really just continuing to convince themselves - especially when they do it LOUDLY.
But my rant, or point, or perspective, or whatever you want to call it is this. Just don't be an asshat about it. Don't be an idiot. Don't yell and carry on - either live or ONLINE (in that very manner). Don't be so dang reactionary, and just be nice. You can have opposing opinions and be respectful. You don't have to be saccharine about it - just be polite.
It's important for us to have differing views. We need that give and take, that exchange of ideas - that's no great revelation. How boring things would be if we all thought exactly the same? It always seems like such a good idea - to be in an environment where everyone's on the same page all the time. And for a while, it can be refreshing, even therapeutic, to know you're in a safe space, where you're not going to get jumped all over for thinking one way or another, or being different. But then...it pales. There's no more challenge. No more spice.
I like spice. Not crazy spicy, but enough heat to keep it interesting. And we can do it without being general jackholes to each other. There's even a WikiHow out there on how to tolerate your friends with different political views. And I'm sure a good number of other how-tos and articles discussing similar.
But really, it's not hard, people. Use that old Golden Rule. Also, take a breath. a beat, a pause, before you react...or overreact. Don't use caps in your responses. Unless it's on words that are indisputably KIND. Listen to yourself a little first before you spit it out, whether pushing actual sound bytes into the air, or typing away on social media. Don't generalize. Don't assume you know the political affiliation of the speaker. And for God's sake don't resort to name calling. You're better than that.
We are better than that.
Civilization didn't progress by human beings being unkind to each other. Communities build, technology grows, thoughts and ideas flourish when we respect each other. So go...make that happen. The respect thing. Practice if you must. Just be kinder and calmer and cooler.
Peace out.
No comments:
Post a Comment