I post my opinions on social media a lot. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Reddit, and occasionally Instagram have all been outlets for my opinions on politics, gender roles, race relations, LGBTQ+ rights, and anything else that crosses my mind. Needless to say, that since I am so free with my opinion I have encountered quite a few people who do not agree with me, and tell me I should keep my mouth shut. Sometimes it is strangers, but many times these people are family members or people that I used to call friends or acquaintances that I was friendly with.

The first time I received a message like that from someone I loved, it halted me in my tracks. First I was confused, how they couldn’t understand where I was coming from. Then I doubted myself, thinking maybe I was in the wrong. It took me a little time to realize that no, I was not wrong. That this person in my family, this person whom I love, had serious prejudicial issues. It was not an easy realization, but it was a needed one. In the end, it made me speak louder. It made me refuse to be drowned out. It made me determined to stand strong and show these people that they are wrong.

I do not know what it means to be marginalized for the color of my skin. That does not mean I do not know what it is to suffer, to be judged for something I cannot control. Most people understand a suffering of some sort, which is why I cannot understand people’s lack of empathy. I can’t understand how they can sit and pretend that there is no problem. Because I know I don't have to be scared if I get pulled over by cops; since I am a 24 year old white, blonde haired, blue eyed, woman. That is a privilege. I acknowledge that, but just because I'm privileged doesn't mean I have the right to pretend that there are people who aren't. I don't get to put myself in a bubble of ignorance and pretend all is right with America. I won't be silent. I'll sit there and argue with my family, with my friends, with random strangers who decide to "educate" me. Because I'm not blind, and I refuse to pretend that I am.

So maybe when we stop seeing people being gunned down, and people being stereotyped based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc., maybe then I’ll post fewer articles. Maybe when we as a human race become better, I won’t need to shout my opinions from the rooftops.

My character has been called into question as well. In a comment that was deleted on my Facebook page, I was told I needed to have more compassion. I had posted an article that viciously attacked Brock Turner’s joke of a punishment. I was told that I needed to be more compassionate and focus on the victim. That I did not need to acknowledge the crimes of Turner himself or the pathetic results of his case. That I should also show compassion for aggressors as they just needed to be taught.

Let me be very clear. I have immense compassion for those who suffer at the hands of rapists. Which, as a survivor of sexual abuse, I think would be clear. What I do not have compassion for are Brock Turner and his contemporaries. So, no I will not stop posting news stories that rake him over the coals. The day when we can trust our justice system to take care of the problem, maybe I'll post fewer articles on social media. But I do believe we need to stop attacking men who do this. I believe that in a world where the justice system is failing we have the power to use social media to make sure that aggressors see consequences for their actions.

I have a voice, and I will use it. I will not stand idly by and watch the people around me pretend America is perfect. There is so much work that needs to be done in our country. Our country does have the potential to be great. However, it won’t ever get there if we are not willing to put in the work. It won’t get there if we do not realize it does not have to be one or the other. You can support the men and women in our military and still sit down in protest during the National Anthem. You can still support Police Officers, but acknowledge and speak out against police brutality, and racial profiling. It is 2016, I think it’s past time we do the work.