So, on one of the social media sites, this guy’s name popped up. He was a colleague, but he left my employer. He has been gone for 2-3 years. We were never really friends. We didn’t hang out together. We were colleagues. Occasionally, I would ask him to see a patient who needed his expertise. So, when his name popped up, I clicked on it. I never thought about it again.
Out of nowhere, he sends me a DM. “It makes me sad to watch you use this platform to be decisive (I don’t think this is the word he meant to type) radical and honestly saying things in poor taste.” WTH? Is he my mom? “You bring up the race card and democratic agenda too much.” Now I can’t help but laugh. This guy thinks I value his opinion so much that I’m going to change my whole political philosophy because of his DM. He ends his rant by saying he “probably will stop following your (mine) stupid comments.”
For reasons that are unclear, I decided to engage this person. There was a back and forth. I chose to focus on race. I explained that Trump was a racist. I gave him several examples of why I believe (know) that Trump is a racist, including the fact that he called for the execution of the Central Park 5. He didn’t address any of my examples. I know you will be surprised when I tell you he said that racism was an “attitude.” I’m not even sure what that means. Racism is a belief. According to Merrem Webster, the assumption that psychocultural traits and capacities are determined by biological race and that races differ decisively from one another, which is usually coupled with a belief in the inherent superiority of a particular race and its right to domination over others. Then this man, who is in his 60’s, decided to tell me that his father, whom I’m guessing was not Black, told him that “racism will never go away as long as it is used for political and financial gain.” What the heck is he talking about?
Racism will not go away because we have too much hate and not enough love in the world. There is too much us vs them. There is not enough we. Ignoring racism may make some people feel better, but it will not make racism go away.
What kind of person would I be if I changed my political beliefs because of a guy I barely know? I’m not sure why he felt compelled to send me a DM. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” I will be strong in my faith and convictions. I believe people are basically good. I believe love is stronger than hate. I believe in loving my neighbor. I believe in universal healthcare. I believe in raising the minimum wage. I believe state colleges must be affordable for a family earning $45,000/yr. I believe we should all breathe clean air and drink clean water. I believe voting should be easier than buying a gun or beer. I believe that if you have crossed into the US illegally, you should be allowed to pay a fine and apply for full citizenship. I believe Puerto Rico and Washington DC should be admitted as states. I believe in freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Finally, I believe guns should be highly regulated.
So, if one of my posts turns your stomach, I’m sorry. Unfollow me, but understand this. I’m happy to listen to any thoughtful arguments that you have. Occasionally, I will change my mind when presented with some new compelling data. I will not change my thoughts because you are upset or disappointed.
