So, I'm going to be brutally honest. I think it's been somewhat hard for everyone to understand each other post-2016 elections. I know for me especially, when I heard people say things such as, "Well I didn't vote for him because of ______" I would think in my head, "But essentially, you did?" And as narrow-minded as that may seem to you, I am being 100% honest; thus, refuse to eliminate any of my personal opinion so that anyone with opposing opinions feels more-so, comfortable. Why limit myself? With that said, I believe that I'm in a different place now. It's one thing to say "we need to accept one another despite difference in opinion," but because we're being honest here, it's hard to do that until you can make sense of everything.
However, that's what I've achieved now, a sensible look to the opposition. Have you ever heard of Humans Of New York? No? You've been missing out and need to do some research ASAP.
Brandon Stanton has been roaming the streets of New York for 6 years now, where he photographs strangers and writes a little background for them. His New York inhabitants are all over Instagram, and even published in his books-it's a collection of identification amongst a world that otherwise ignores strangers. I've been following him and his page for the past 5 years, and I've loved every single post i've come across. He gives a simple picture an entire life, the faces you see are no longer faces, they're experiences and memories. Today I came across one story in particular, and it has helped to make sense of the pondered thought, "Why do these people hold such different beliefs than my own?". Make sure to read all the way through--
"I guess we all have the right to choose our bottom line."
Isn't that the truth. It's not like I wasn't aware of this before, but this human put my thoughts into words, and I thank them for that.
Regardless of how you voted, or where you stand on the political spectrum, it's important to remember that we are different because of our values. Dismissing and belittling someone else for what they hold to be "right" is not only wrong, but it makes you an abhorred human being.
Do not dismiss the millennial. Do not dismiss the war vet. Do not dismiss the mother or father. Do not dismiss the neighbor down the street. Do not dismiss the cousin at the dinner table. Do not dismiss grandparent who has seen a century of politics. Do not dismiss anyone, rather engage in conversation to understand them.
Humans of New York: http://www.humansofnewyork.com/ .
