Politics and social issues are hard things to talk about, that's nothing new, but we as a country have come to the point that when people say Trump, everyone covers their ears. When people say Black Lives Matter, people belittle them and attempt to silence them. When women scream for justice and freedom, they are met with people screaming back that that they are being greedy, asking too much, screaming too loud. I want to know why.
Pre presidential election I was vocal about my concerns, but I also tried my best to listen to Trump supporters concerns. Post presidential election I have been extremely vocal about my dissent, and concern regarding a Trump Presidency. I try to do this with the most respect to my friends and family who voted for him as possible. This, is often met with hostility, personal attacks against me and my beliefs, and defensiveness from Trump supporters. I want to know why you can't talk to me without insulting me. Why can't you see protests as people crying for help, to be heard, to start a conversation. Why every time a celebrity, a football player, or a person on Facebook, speaks with concern or worry, are they met with degrading comments and aggression. Why aren't we listening. When facts are posted about Trump, people immediately attack. When people say black lives matter, they are met with the rhetoric that they MUST hate cops, and white people in general. When women ask for the freedom to choose, the words murderer, or slut, get thrown back in their faces. All I want to know is, why. I want to know why we can't listen to these people who are clearly scared and angry. You don't even have to agree or understand just LISTEN. We will get no where when we are screaming over each other.
If someone comes up to you, and voices concerns about Trump. Listen to them. Don't talk over them, don't yell, don't belittle. These concerns must come from somewhere, and you will never understand if you don't listen. When people scream Black Lives Matter, listen. People don't go around protesting for fun. Protesting is not fun, it's scary, it's emotionally tiring, and can be physically dangerous. People protest to be heard, so hear them. People saying Black Lives Matter have experiences you will never experience, their history has been silenced by society and the education system for decades, and all they are asking, is to matter the same as everyone else. When women ask for control, for freedom, and for equality, listen. Don't listen because you have a sister, or a daughter, or a mother. Listen because that woman talking to you, is a person. She is a person who has lived a life you may never live, she may have experienced turmoil and abuse in her life, and she may be frustrated to the point of cracking. Listen because we are supposed to be creatures of love. Listen because these people are your friends and your family, and they're hurting. We are BEGGING you, to listen. Once you've heard their concerns, have an open, honest, calm conversation. You may learn things about each other you never knew. You may find common ground you never knew was there. Most importantly, everyone will feel heard. All we all want to be heard. Once we start listening, we can start changing for the better.
