"Unless you're ready to have your ideas challenged and evaluated alongside other options, you shouldn't be the instigator in that scenario with others." (Jason Dyba) Last week I played devil's advocate. It was a dark, deceptive role that required a controversial stance which outraged audiences, but I continue to stand by my decision. Some of our most influential leaders marked in history have taken unpopular stances. Martin Luther spoke out against the Catholic Church and its acceptance of indulgences. Thomas Paine detailed his frustrations with the British, publishing the revolutionary Common Sense in 1776 which sparked immense patriotic fervor. Rosa Parks defiantly sat at her bus seat, redefining the civil rights movement. And now Hillary Clinton is challenging the status quo as she campaigns to be the first ever woman president.
What made each of them trailblazers? Passion. Confidence. Tenacity. Each of these leaders had developed opinions that were dying to be heard, and it was alongside these traits that they found their voice. It was their decision to voice an opinion contrary to the social norm that made these visionaries remarkable.
In the 15th century, the Catholic Church was the most powerful establishment in Europe. Its influence extended to all sects of the community, granting the Church jurisdiction over both religious and domestic affairs. Its dominance was undeniable; its authority was unquestionable. Yet in the eyes of Martin Luther its evident guilt was all the same. Luther challenged the Church's acceptance of indulgences, payments made to ensure a hopeful afterlife, in his 95 Theses (1517.) This was not only a direct insult to the religious establishment but to the entire society. Luther's blind leap of faith catapulted Christianity to unimaginable heights. His opinion was criticized, he himself was ostracized from his community, and yet his actions were revolutionary.
The majority of our media clusters together on one side of the spectrum. If you do not approve of gay marriage you're seen as homophobic. If you speak out against immigration you may be viewed as racist or xenophobic. If you are anti-abortion people may single you out for being opposed to women's rights or pro-choice. What if you see both sides? What if you appreciate the pros and cons of gun control? What if you are a feminist but your core is telling you it is intolerable to murder an unborn baby? Should you be ashamed to voice your beliefs?
There needs to be a medium. Just as Martin Luther voiced his opinions in the 15th century, I stand before you today challenging you to dig deeper. We are all too often swayed by the popular approach. What is seen as socially, morally or politically correct by our media, family and friends often is how we develop our opinions. And yet if we continue to blindly follow the Pied Piper, how can we expect to ever be revolutionary?
My mother used to explain passion as "fire in the belly." She detailed this insatiable craving for something you believe in as the sole motive that carries "the greats" to their thrones of nobility. It is not money or power that propel these people but rather desire. It is their voice or actions that establish them as revolutionary. It is that blazing "fire in the belly" that disregards criticism and adversity, and instead encourages a voice.
We are witnessing history in the making today. Colin Kaepernick is taking a stance for Black Lives Matter, a movement which has spurred social tensions and political chaos. Kaepernick has been slandered by media for both his gesture, taking a knee during the anthem, and its timing. Audiences have chastised his actions for being inflammatory and attention seeking, seeing that Kaepernick was expected to ride the bench all season. Nonetheless former NBA legend Abdul-Jabbar states, "insulting Kaepernick says more about our patriotism than his." Abdul-Jabbar's statement speaks volumes about our character as a nation. Who are we, the land of the free and home of the brave, to stand in one man's way? Drowning Kaepernick in waves of boisterous, insulting rebukes does nothing but negatively reflect our national character. We, as Americans, pride ourselves on our constitutional freedoms of speech and press, yet we all too often pounce on the vulnerable or unorthodox approaches taken by our brethren.
Voicing the unpopular opinion is a long, lonely road burdened with obstacles meant to hinder your path. It requires endurance, perseverance, confidence and passion. But those that defiantly trudge through its somber swamp often reach rewarding destinations. You have a choice in this world: to be a leader or to follow the Piper. Don't let others control how you make that decision.
