I’m pretty certain we’re all familiar with those Facebook and Twitter personalities – the social warriors who readily broadcast their political views and opinions day after day. When I see these individual’s names when scrolling down my newsfeed, I always take the time to read what they have to say. When reading their passionate words, I feel a small spark of jealousy. I am envious that they could choose a side and wholeheartedly believe in it. I am in awe watching them repeatedly demonstrate the courage to stick up for their views even though they may be wrong. I am baffled that they know how to feel in times of such disarray. I wish I could be as sure as them.
I am jealous because while they are so sure, I am confused by everything I read having to do with the current presidential election. It’s not that I don’t understand the overarching message and facts behind these articles and statuses either eloquently written or hindered by the grammar and structure errors of blind rage. I understand everything. Yet, seeing these facts laid out together, I understand nothing.
In light of tragedy in Orlando, opinions on politics and government that were once kept concealed come pouring out for everyone to read and process, leaving people like me feeling wildly flustered. It’s not that I never agree or disagree. It’s just that I see small truths in most opinions. There are certain things I am sure about. I know that no entire religion or group of people is to blame for an act of terror or hate. I know that the LGBTIQA community deserves the same rights as everyone else. Love is love and it will always triumph over hate. I know that we cannot defeat hate with hate. I know that the poor need access to affordable education and jobs, although I'm not sure about which should come first. I have to be honest with myself and acknowledge that the candidate I identified most with has ever dwindling chances of winning the presidency, and that leaves people like me without much guide for where to look next.
Firmly held beliefs are invaluable. Passion is among the most powerful of weapons. However, I think we sometimes let our opinions consume us. We forget that people have had different experiences, and that we all have generally good intentions regardless of how misguided we think those who oppose us to be. This, of course, excludes those who are just aggressively xenophobic and hateful. When writing our opinions, we need to be conscious that we’re stating them in a manner that invites rather than alienates. If our statuses will only appeal to those who share similar beliefs, what is the motivation behind posting them in the first place? We can still endorse whatever beliefs we choose, but do it in a way that genuinely encourages acceptance and understanding rather than forming a basis for more opposition and hate.
