I have been struggling quite a bit with writer's block this week. It's 100 percent my own fault. I am frustrated. There has been so much material I could discuss from recent events, but tragedy is not my favorite topic to write on. Honestly, I feel like terrible occurrences are happening every day, sometimes twice a day. The world seems to be moving further and further from right and good with each news update, and it is harrowing to come to terms with. I have opinions on these matters; however, I am a firm believer that unless I have researched the issue on both sides, known its history and can make an informed, well-thought-out and unassuming decision on how I feel, I should not be spewing my opinions into the world. And honestly, I think a certain population should follow suit. That being said, I write this not to take a stance on this divisive #AltonSterling issue, but to advise the world, and the U.S. especially, on how to react as an audience to this unfolding horror.
Let us get one thing straight: opinions, by their very nature, are biased. It is our right to have them, and we as a country are proud of the amendments that make this right available. It is human nature to take a divisive stance on an issue when it jars us. As we should, right? Being shaken into action is what created the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for gay rights. Action and opinion bring change and always have. But I think we as a society forget that merely voicing a thought does not guarantee its truthfulness in any form.
Many have an issue with the radicalism of it all: radical opinions, radical change, radical action. Some bite back making the argument that only radicalism can bring about change. These people have an excellent point. We pay attention when a city is set aflame in a riot, or when the Westboro Baptist Church protests military funerals, or when there is a call to keep certain races out of the country.
Where I believe we've gone wrong in all of this is the confusion between hatred with radicalism.
I'm going to say that again. Hatred and radicalism do not have to be synonymous.
How quickly we have forgotten the life of Dr. King. Of Gandhi. Of Chavez. We live to judge, to assume, to disregard, to destroy. How blind we are to think that the only way to peace is through violence, libel, bias, slander and hate. How many times must it be said: Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. And, my friends, I believe that love comes from shedding radical hatred. It comes from working to understand fully the scope of the issues we face so that we can best decide how to execute change. It is important to listen.
But be wary, friends, of what and whom you are listening to.
I must say the most frustrating thing I see on social media is what I call a "straight-ticket opinion." Where conservatives and liberals peek in on what prominent party members are saying about an issue and regurgitate it verbatim. I ask you: What kind of fool would think any kind of truth comes from a multi-faceted, corrupt (on both sides), biased, super-PAC controlled, party-pleasing political agenda? To make a decision on how you personally feel based solely on someone else's opinion - even a favorite nightly correspondent, a town leader, or a close friend - is to reiterate without researching; it is unwise and simply, it leads us further from the truth.
Listen to me. We get to decide! That is the wonderful thing about democracy, about free speech! We do not have to be told what to think and believe. We can formulate an opinion all our own. We can make a difference, even take action, based entirely on our own thoughts. We do not have to choose between FOX and NBC, between liberal or conservative, between "#policelivesmatter" and "#blacklivesmatter." This one-sidedness - accepting extreme and biased opinions as truth - breeds misinformation.
There is a vast chasm between us in this society growing ever wider and sprawling into a two-sided war. We are in a vicious cycle.
Ask why before accepting something as truth. Just because it comes from a mouth you have respected in the past does not guarantee it as truthful or righteous.
Call on our media to be more thorough and unbiased.
Call on our leaders to make an actual change instead of hiding behind a speech that can be summarized as "What happened was bad. We are sad."
Be bold.
Be tough.
Listen to facts only.
Trust yourself.
Do. Act. Love.
**My heart is with all those who grieve for Alton Sterling and for the gunned down police officers in Dallas. I mourn with you. I am scared for you. I am so, so sorry that this is your reality.
