Back in April, I read this news story on NPR. It's about Republicans feeling besieged these days, in spite of having control of both houses, the presidency, the Supreme Court (it can be argued), the majority of governors, etc.
I suspected as much. The story only confirms what I've been thinking about why there is significant continued support for Donald Trump as president (approval ratings in the mid 30% to 40% figures). People are scared. It doesn't matter whether their fears are of something real, the point is that their perception is that there is something to be afraid of.
And why not? If you're someone who's convinced that romance between people of different races, between same sex partners, etc., etc., just to take a few examples, is morally wrong (or spiritually wrong, take your pick), then the progress made in the last few decades would look mighty scary. I mean things just keep happening! Now we're finding transgender rights being approved in more and more places.
Many of us think these trends are progress. We want everyone (and every romance) to be supported in this world. However to those who don't agree, these developments may seem to be nothing more than the road to hell.
The point is, these are real people experiencing real fear. What can those of us who consider ourselves “progressives” do? There are options, of course, ...
• Keep working for change.
• Vilify anyone who opposes us. Call them names and disparage them for their opinions.
• Listen to those who oppose us and gently promote the idea that most people (including the ones for whom we're working to gain rights) are essentially down to earth people who all have much in common, as we all try to make a living and a life of meaning for ourselves in today’s world.
My opinion? I like options 1 and 3, but not 2.
I admit, not everyone is going to respond the same way. I just think it's worth a try.
I suspected as much. The story only confirms what I've been thinking about why there is significant continued support for Donald Trump as president (approval ratings in the mid 30% to 40% figures). People are scared. It doesn't matter whether their fears are of something real, the point is that their perception is that there is something to be afraid of.
And why not? If you're someone who's convinced that romance between people of different races, between same sex partners, etc., etc., just to take a few examples, is morally wrong (or spiritually wrong, take your pick), then the progress made in the last few decades would look mighty scary. I mean things just keep happening! Now we're finding transgender rights being approved in more and more places.
Many of us think these trends are progress. We want everyone (and every romance) to be supported in this world. However to those who don't agree, these developments may seem to be nothing more than the road to hell.
The point is, these are real people experiencing real fear. What can those of us who consider ourselves “progressives” do? There are options, of course, ...
• Keep working for change.
• Vilify anyone who opposes us. Call them names and disparage them for their opinions.
• Listen to those who oppose us and gently promote the idea that most people (including the ones for whom we're working to gain rights) are essentially down to earth people who all have much in common, as we all try to make a living and a life of meaning for ourselves in today’s world.
My opinion? I like options 1 and 3, but not 2.
I admit, not everyone is going to respond the same way. I just think it's worth a try.
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