I’m going to say this out loud, not shouting, but in a calm, reasonable tone.
What makes us better than the people whose votes and actions we oppose?
Actually, nothing. Nothing makes us better than them, not our choices, our activism, our loyalty, our commitment, our empathy, kindness, or love. Nothing.
Yes, our actions show our hearts; they show what is important to us in that moment, they can also bear witness to our empathy. However, the actions of others do not diminish their value as a human being. Though some of us may say and do horrible things, even intentionally hurting others, we are all still human.
Be careful to remember that fact when posting your next meme or liking that post that “humorously” calls for someone’s demise.
We are not better people than them. We may be making better choices right now but we too have made poor choices in the past and did things that hurt ourselves and others.
Be careful what you say and how you say it. Remember, there is a difference between being told that what you did was wrong or hurtful and being told that you are despicable and do not deserve basic human rights.
There is a difference between calling out someone’s actions or holding them accountable for the negative consequences of their behavior, and calling them names; saying that they are less than human, don’t deserve basic human rights, dignity, or respect. If we do that, how then are our actions any different from theirs?
We are not better than them. It’s high time we acknowledge that fact.
~ elr
P.S. Every so often, I have caught myself laughing at, “liking,” sharing, and writing things that cross this line and it pains me. I have had to edit my words before posting them because I realized that they were hurtful.
I don’t always make the best choices.
I guess that’s why I wrote this. It is a reminder to me that I have plainly seen that line drawn in the sand and need to let go of the stones I’ve been carrying.
Image: ID 197741050 © Nicoleta Ionescu | Dreamstime.com