We live today in a tumultuous time of divisive politics and cultural opinions, heightened by the recent presidential election. Gradually, Americans have moved more towards one side of the spectrum (right-winged conservativism or left-winged liberalism) and the atmosphere has turned largely into an "us versus them" situation. In attempts to discredit the other, both sides have relabeled the opposition, the most common term being equating liberals to "snowflakes" who are easily offended and fragile. In some eyes, the word liberal has become synonymous with whiny, obnoxious, and privileged.
But here's the thing - every change towards equal rights that has ever made in this country has been made by liberals.
It was not so long ago that African Americans were forced to use separate water fountains and attend segregated schools.
It was not so long ago that slavery was the law of the land.
It was not so long ago that women didn't have the right to vote.
It was not so long ago that middle- and lower-class workers were forced to endure 15-hour work days for starvation wages and dying from lack of workplace safety standards.
It was not so long ago that rivers were catching on fire from hideous amounts of pollution.
It was not so long ago that women couldn't have their own credit card.
It was not so long ago that Native Americans were slaughtered by the thousands and forced off their own land.
It was not so long ago that tiny children were sent to work instead of school and were horribly maimed in factory machines.
It was not so long ago that raping and beating your wife was legally allowed.
It was not so long ago that all of these things were accepted.
Today most people agree we have moved in the right direction and would be hesitant to go backwards. So if we agree with these changes towards equality and human rights, why do we insult the people responsible for the progress?
Why is calling for an end to racism "whining"? Why is being enraged when a man grabs a woman's body being "fragile"? Why is asking to help those born into poverty caused by billionaires "entitlement"?
Today so many of us enjoy the privileges fought for by liberals, but espouse contempt and mock activists fighting today's modern equality issues.
Why is it that we are so comfortable in our rights but laugh at those trying to win them for others?
Everyone is entitled to their own viewpoints and opinions, and certainly not everyone has to agree on everything. Differences in opinion help us create a healthy, balanced society. But we need to stop ridiculing and scoffing at those who dedicate their lives to securing equality and progress for the rest of us.
Refusing to judge someone's worth based on the color of the skin, gender, economic status, or country of origin is not a weakness. Believing everyone should have the same opportunities as yourself is not a flaw.
The world "liberal" should never be an insult.
Especially in today's political climate, we all need to take a look in the mirror and thank those with opposing viewpoints for the progress they have made. We all owe each other something, and recognizing that will only push us further in the right direction.
