Brittany Poeppe | Multimedia Editor
As a white, American woman, I hear a lot of things. I see a lot of things too. America is amazing because we have the right to think freely and express ourselves through the rights guaranteed to us in the First Amendment. However, with the changing of the years and the changing of my years, the exercise of the First Amendment has become more extreme. There has been a growing sense of “I’m right, you’re wrong.”
Or maybe that’s just me.
Unfortunately, I doubt that’s true.
In the wake of the recent election, there have been riots and protests, posts on social media, and a disconnect between families and friends. I know it sounds extreme, but lately, what hasn’t been? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want this to be all about the election, but it seems that most of what the candidates inspired in the hearts of our America was fear and hatred for those who think, act, and are different than we are.
Our America is bursting at the seams.
I fear it’s all because of the rights we are endowed by our government. The very rights that make us American are separating us.
Our right to free speech has become more about preaching our beliefs and bashing the opposed than about having civil discourse. I find myself doing this. You probably do this. Everyone does this. We compare ourselves to others. We’re condescending, comparative, judgmental, and sometimes mean. It’s “Us” against “Them.” It’s our mindset against theirs. It’s a constant battle, but so is civil discourse.
We have to be aware of other peoples’ beliefs. They may not always align with ours, but that doesn’t mean we can bash their beliefs and tell those people they are wrong. It’s time to stop the hate and the bigotry, grow up, and talk to each other. I don’t mean through a screen either. The social media-fueled hate has got to stop. This back-and-forth animosity gets us nowhere. If you’re pissed off about the government, the LGBTQ community, women’s rights, gun laws, immigration, religion, etc., don’t go around bashing others who don’t believe the same things you believe. Have a conversation with them. You won’t always agree, but if you see their side of the story, it might show you that we’re all people with ideas and beliefs of our own.
We’re not always going to agree, but we might as well communicate civilly with each other instead of whatever we’re doing right now. Let’s be honest, that method is not working. You can disagree with my beliefs all you want; that’s the beauty of the First Amendment. Open your mouth and speak, but not in the name of hate.
So yeah, I’m a white, liberal, feminist, middle-class, American woman. I have lots of opinions to voice and a side to fight for, but I’m willing to listen to your side too.
Graphic by Justice Gage