Talk it Out (Opinion)

by Matthew Bright

After all the rhetoric and all the outrage from Charlottesville simmers a bit, what do we do? What can we can we do? Activists whom feel words from the sympathetic are not enough. That action needs to taken by donating to causes and organizations. That is a valid point. They put themselves in that position for me, for us really, to progress this country in the right direction. So that type of direct action has the quickest impact. The question I pose is: Why is it bad to just be a concerned citizen and speak up passionately about oppression to people in your proximity?

What's wrong with openly talking to people in your proximity, known or unknown if they are willing to have a discussion for progress and change? I'm not talking about a debate about why you believe something isn't true or not. Facts are facts, they don't change because you don't like them.

You can deny racism, sexism, and bigotry all you want, but they exist. In my discussion with you I hope you become aware, you begin to point it out, and that it changes your perspective to something more inclusive, curious, and more encompassing.

This isn't about our public officials, this piece is about us. Those of us who stay silent, who know they don't believe in the things that happened in Charlottesville but will let someone defend the position of White Supremacists, Neo-Nazis, and The KKK without contention to keep things civil. Explain that away as "it's their perspective."

I also don't mean silent by not donating to groups. Donating to progressive groups that promote equality for all is part of the solution and surely doesn't hurt, but Donald Sterling gave too, its anecdotal but many people think donating is enough. Honestly it's not. It's part of the solution but it's just not enough.

We condemn people who speak the loudest about progressive topics and say talking isn't enough. That words aren't enough. We can not be silent. In our physical proximity challenge hatred, defend the peace, and protect each other from verbal attacks.

What I mean by being silent: When you do not check that relative on their belief that both sides are assholes, that can not happen. We can not hear blood and soil without using our freedom of speech to shout it down. We can't lose our way in right and wrong under the guise of ideology, philosophy, and fair debate with those who are intolerant.

I'm asking to challenge ideas not incite violence. Ideas that slow progress or cultivate a breeding ground for hate and fascism. Ideas that reinforce a system to suppress women and people of color must be challenged and destroyed. Online, in your home, challenge the culture around you to make it safer for your friends and loved ones and so that micro-aggressions decrease, that it's safer for our counterparts.

To defeat things like this it'll take more than donations and petitions. It'll take all of us affecting people in our proximity with awkward, most times, difficult conversations.

Yes it's exhausting, and with that in mind take time to energize yourself with nights out with friends, shows, movies, books, whatever keeps you sane.Whatever it is that gives you hope that what you're speaking out against will change. Keep fighting, keep speaking up.

Words Matter? Let's prove it.