There was a wonderful story in the NY Times magazine this morning, The Age of Rudeness. For me it really hit home. I have been thinking a lot about peoples’ perception of rudeness ever since the election. Although my parents never specifically told me that “talking politics” was rude and I consider myself to be a “Free to Be You and Me” kind of girl (raised in the 70s), the fact is–politics were not spoken in my little world. I was under the impression that talking politics was inappropriate and should be avoided in any social situation. You may offend someone and that would be rude.
It is this offense that prevented me against speaking out during the elections. Prevented me from declaring LOUD & PROUD that #IAmWithHer. The same feeling that prevented me from speaking out against DT and his many character flaws and bad behavior. What if I offended a friend? I don’t want to make anyone feel bad. I have always been driven by my empathy for others and respecting their feelings.
The irony is, the same thing that prevented me from speaking out during the election is the very reason I am speaking out now. I am concerned about others. I am concerned about the culture of hate DT and his administration promote. I want to protect all religions (not just Christianity-and I recognize that Melanie speaking the Lord’s prayer before DT’s ego rally yesterday excluded all the other American’s that do not hold the same faith or have no religion), all people regardless of ethnicity, sexual identity, and socio-economic backgrounds. I want to protect the climate and environment and all species on the planet. I do not want to put my needs and wants ahead of anyone else’s.
My willingness to stand for everyone is American and I refuse to apologize or remain silent for the sake of maybe offending someone. My silence, my politeness is one of the reasons we are where we are today. I will stand up. I am not afraid. I will not sit silently by as civil liberties, basic human decency and Democracy are threatened.
This is a defining time in history. Where do you stand?
Mother of 3
Nurse
Colts Neck, NJ
Resources:
The Age of Rudeness; As the social contract frays, what does it mean to be polite? https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/15/magazine/the-age-of-rudeness.html?_r=0
