What follows is a conversation that took place between myself and a person I worked with almost a decade ago. We have not had any contact in about 8 years outside of simply “liking” posts from one another.
_________: Is it ok to punch a Nazi? I’m going to say he’s asking for it when he posts this…
Meg Phillips I assume your response _______ is facetious. However, I think there are better responses to hatred than reciprocation. I don’t know if its possible to have a revolution that is reactionary and employs the same means that it is trying to fight against. How can we best work to #makeamericakindagain?
________ I understand what you’re saying. I’m at a loss for how to #makeamericakindagain but I don’t think turning the other cheek is getting us anywhere. I was being facetious but there’s a little bit of frustrated truth in it.
Meg Phillips Hi ________, I am trying to simultaneously turn the other cheek while having my voice heard. I have been phone banking Congress and the Senate everyday and using FB to reach out to friends and strangers, people who support my point of view as well as those who do not in hopes that we can start reaching out to people who have different points of view.That being said I think our representatives need to do everything they can to stop President Trump from enacting laws that are unconstitutional and work to suppress the right of citizens and individuals seeking refuge or a better life. However if we, as non-politicians, don’t start reaching out how will people ever learn to change? How will we ever work to change the minds of those who think differently if we don’t at first listen to what they have to say and respond in a way that does not demonize them for their beliefs? This is the general message I am trying to spread through #makeamericakindagain. I don’t think that America has ever been kind enough or accepting enough of difference but I think it’s time to start heading in that direction.
__________ I agree with you Meg Phillips I have also been trying and failing at dialog with people who don’t agree with me on twitter. That has left me feeling more frustrated than effective. I think face to face interactions are more civil and make more of an impact. I saw Ana Navarro speak the other night and I do think the way to make America kinder is to share our stories and offer praise to those standing up for our ideals. That being said, I still get really frustrated hearing from proud Nazis
Meg Phillips I feel you ________. I am saddened and terrified by everything that has taken place during the 2016 Presidential race and its aftermath. I feel like I am living in the fictional worlds of Orsen Wells , Kurt Vonnegut, and Anthony Burgess. I feel angry and hurt and attacked and horrified. Human beings are complex in our emotional capacity. However, I think that our culture has indulges itself in enough fear and hatred to last many lifetimes, and possibly will last many lifetimes. That is why right now, I think it is as important as ever to reach across the chasm that separates us. That being said, individuals of all skill sets are needed right now to speak out against orders that threaten our constitution. It someone has identified themselves as a Nazi, I am not sure it is possible to have them join in #makeamericakindagain but I also don’t think they should be re-posted.
Creating A Nation United 