Over the past week, the United States embarked upon a new chapter in our country's history. With the legalization of gay marriage in all 50 states, both celebration and uproar have flooded the streets, social media, news stations, and conversations across the country. Whether or not you support gay marriage, abhor it, celebrate it, mourn over it, or simply don't know what to think, here is something to keep in mind: it is crucial to consider both sides.
For those of you who celebrate: Congratulations! You now live in a country that to you is more perfect. From your perspective, all seems to be right in the world at least for this moment. As you celebrate with those that you love and cry tears of joy, you feel a newfound sense of pride to be an American. And I believe that is special.
For those of you who do not support: You most likely feel as if this country has become something completely different than what it was in the past. Which is true! Our country has most certainly evolved. You could choose not to support gay marriage due to personal convictions, religious reasons, historical consistency, or because you just do not understand. And I believe you are entitled to that.
But here is why I believe it is so crucial to consider both sides when forming your opinion on this new legislation: Whether you support gay marriage or do not, you are still an American. You still have the right to your own opinion and your own beliefs. You have freedom of speech and the freedom to practice your beliefs because we live in a country that works to fight off oppression. I don't believe that people who are against gay marriage should be attacked for not supporting it. (But I do believe you should disagree in a non-hateful manner.) I also do not believe that people who do support gay marriage should be attacked for supporting it. Our population is not, nor has it ever been, all on the same page when it comes to social issues at large. There will always be differing opinions. As a society, we must consider both sides.
For those of you who do not support: Keep in mind that for many, this new legislation is a huge deal. You cannot expect everyone to be like you and to think like you and to believe what you do. The catch is that you can still choose to practice what you believe. If you oppose gay marriage, that's your personal decision. But I beg of you to consider the other side. Understand that for the gay community, this legislation means freedom. It means acceptance and it means love. Isn't that what we all want?
For those of you who do support: If you support gay marriage, that's your personal decision. But I beg of you to consider the other side. Understand that for some people in the straight community, this legislation is confusing and it's different. Some people believe that it is wrong. Some people don't know what to believe. But that doesn't take away from the fact that you are now legally allowed to express your love through marriage in every state in our country. Be willing to let people disagree with you. Everyone is entitled to their own point of view without being punished or attacked for it. Isn't that what we all want?
So here's the deal. Whatever you believe or not, consider the other side. Do not be one sided and steer through every argument with tunnel vision. The times are changing. Our country is redefining what it means to be an American. We must embrace differing opinions without hate and without attacking the other side. Even if you oppose this change, understand that not everyone is going to have the same perspective as you. And if you support this change, consider the same.
