Lately, there's been a lot of controversy over what equality actually is and how we can achieve it. This is more true than ever with increased awareness of systemic racism, lack of gender equality, LGBTQA+ rights, and so on and so on. And, while literally no one is saying that there shouldn't be universal equality, there are so many disagreements as to how we actually achieve this equality.
So, without further ado, here's a list of things that people think will make us equal that won't actually make us equal.
1. Hating men
I completely understand the frustrations that women have with men. However, misandry is real, and it's not helping us. When you hate men or call for female supremacy, it's not "fighting the power." It's creating a larger divide between the genders, when we should be aiming to close the divide. Instead of hating men, who can't help being men as much as you can't help being a woman, we need to work with men.
2. Hating white people
This is the same thing that I said before about hating men, except with race. I consider myself a white ally, and I agree that historically, black lives haven't mattered. Systemic racism and a racist cycle of poverty and violence are some of the biggest issues in today's society, but the divide gets bigger if you hate white people. Instead of hating whites people, call your white friends out and urge them to use their privilege to advocate for you.
3. Hating straight or cis people
Same deal. People who are attracted exclusively to the opposite sex and people who identify with the gender that matches their biological sex are not the enemy. Instead of hating them, tell them about your experiences. Create that dialogue. You can't expect straight or cis people to understand what you go through if you don't tell them. Besides, in my experiences as a bi female, straight people are willing to listen to what you have to say.
4. Hating cops
This is a really tough situation to talk about. On one hand, we're becoming increasingly aware of bad cops and police brutality. On the other hand, there's so much hypocrisy in painting all cops as terrible and racist people. Believe it or not, a lot of cops are not racist. And, believe it or not, a lot of black people are not criminals. I shouldn't be forced to take sides between two groups of people that I respect.
5. Rioting
Rioting may seem like a good answer when something negative happens. However, violent rioting is in no way a good way to protest. Further, it perpetuates negative stereotypes, and it furthers racism. Peaceful protests are good options, and so are writing to your congressmen and women, as well as voting.
6. Safe spaces and PC culture
The real world doesn't have safe spaces. The real world doesn't care if you get offended. And, spoiler alert, challenge and controversial language are how things change. Nothing has ever changed by throwing a fit over being offended and trying to stifle people's free speech. Instead of insisting that you get a space where you can segregate yourself from people who use words that you don't like, use those words to start a dialogue.
Hate breeds hate, and division breeds division. We need to use our voices, and our votes, for change. It's hard, and it's not instant, but it's ultimately more productive.
