If anyone is feeling nervous because this might be polarizing and offensive, don't worry. I'll try to avoid voicing any beliefs that may be open to controversy. At least, I don't think they should be controversial.
If anyone is chomping at the bit to hear my libtard views and knock me down a peg because I am young and female, and therefore ignorant, prepare to be disappointed. But I do invite you to read further, because I'm about to talk about someone with potentially similar views to yours!
This post is more about conversing about politics and social values, than it is about my own beliefs on either of those issues.
Two things are inspiring me right now.
The first is that Someone deleted my Facebook comment, which prompted quite a few emotions in me, and also some soul-searching. This person had posted a meme stating that "If you need to put a color in front of [the phrase 'lives matter', You're] racist."
That post effectively calls me racist, because I do believe that we need to specify race when fighting racism. Another friend commented on this post with the story of the Good Samaritan, challenging the meme's broad generalization. (I.e. Jesus specifically mentioned the race of the Samaritan man, to challenge Jewish prejudice of the time. Is Jesus racist for this?)
I commented, "I can see where you're coming from, but I'd love to talk to you about why I disagree. When's the next time you'll be in the area?"
All these comments were deleted. I am still unsure why my comment was deleted, and would like to talk to the person in question, but I doubt it would go well.
This incident brought up multiple quandaries for me.
My Indignation wants to tag this person in a Facebook post and label them a cowardly hypocrite, for complaining that their voice is silenced by "liberal media", and then silencing others. I am particularly incensed because I did my best to be gracious in my comment and also to remain nonthreatening.
The Patience in me wants to talk to this person. Or tag them in a less incendiary post.
The Justice within me demands I do something to counteract a hurtful voice in this time of upheaval and pain.
The Guard on my Heart believes this is a useless endeavor, and could bring me hurt/harm.
I'm caught within a web of my own values and beliefs. So I think, "What did Jesus do when he met people like this? People who take His Father's Name but choose to be narrow-minded and hurtful?"
"Should I follow His example?"
I remember Him flipping tables, boldly calling people snakes, chasing people with a whip. I remember Him challenging misplaced ideals and false pretenses. (Oh, how I love Him.)
The thing that stops me is that I know it's useless in this situation, with this person. I know it might cause me too much stress.
Jesus called the pharisees snakes until they killed Him. It was pointless, and painful.
I don't know if I can do that, though. I don't know if I'm called to do that. I'm not God. I can't carry everything. So, I write a blog post without mentioning this person's name, and debate whether I should talk to them in-person, or online, or not at all.
The second thing inspiring me, is this: my dad and I went to an anti-racism prayer/worship/discussion night by One Hope Eugene. On the way home, we discussed the concept of defunding the police, the actual real and potential effects, and our views on these topics. I wasn't sure how the conversation went, since it seemed a bit like we were both talking and not necessarily understanding.
The next day, my dad took some time out of his crazy, harvest work-schedule, and came to my apartment to tell me that it's a really good thing that I can empathize with other people and causes (in this case BLM and the reasoning behind defunding the police). We discussed our views a little bit more, and then he left.
I appreciated this so much. I've noticed him making a point of it lately, in fact. If we're getting into a discussion where we don't agree completely, he notices when I start getting passionate or worked up about my point. And (I'm guessing) because he knows that I usually get worked up when I feel like I'm defending someone, he will deescalate things by affirming my values and/or motives.
I want to learn to do the same.
I'm working on it.
The issue for me comes up in situations like my first experience. What are this person's values and motives? I can detect nothing positive whatsoever. So do I try to talk to them and see if I can understand their feelings? Do I challenge them, because they could be spreading harm? Or, do I write them off as a lost cause, at least, as far as my influence can reach?
I have no clue.
What I do know is this:
If someone wants to get into a political debate with me, they need to name 3 positive things about whatever they're arguing against. Every cause, political party, and movement, etc. has multiple sides, and it's pointless for me to try to see your side if you refuse to acknowledge anyone else's experience or priorities. (However, I don't know how/if this would apply if I'm the one seeking conversation.)
If I don't know enough about a topic, I ask questions, and then I do independent research. Especially if I don't have a great feeling about what I'm hearing.
If someone dismisses me as a person, or dismisses the idea of having conversation, they no longer fit in the "Good Person" category, for me. Maybe this is judgmental, but it’s because I think open discussions are key to progress. Being incendiary/dogmatic, and not hearing anyone else out, is pointless and rude. Especially when you're referring to people that are angry and hurt, you need to be gentle. "The bruised reed He will not break," you know?
I think also that I try really hard to absorb information and hear other people's stories. I place so much importance on this, that I can't fathom any good person believing differently about it. Doesn't mean I'm right, but this is definitely how I feel: Being a good person involves openness, growth, listening, and changing.
Hopefully I'm not coming off as challenging people just for the fun of it. Or as narrow-minded or overly harsh. I do think that injustice, prejudice, and stubborn hurtfulness need to be challenged. Especially when they are taking on the guise of faith and righteousness. Somehow that needs to be balanced with a recognition that I'm also flawed, and often wrong.
However, I do wanna clarify that challenging someone's views is not an aggressive thing, to me. In fact, it looks like my deleted Facebook comment.
"I see your perspective, but mine is different. When would it work for me to tell you how I feel about this, and why I think it's important?"
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