Let me start this post by saying I fully respect everyone's right and ability to have opposing ideals. I believe that being passionate about the issues of the World help keep it a place worth living in.
Right now in the World, there are lots of pressing matters that range from politics to socio-economics and everything in-between. There are also matters that are much less important, but that have very strong supporters on either side like Publix vs. Winn Dixie or which chicken restaurant is best. No matter what the subject is, you will always find someone who feels very strongly on the issue.
The issue I keep running into is that a huge number of highly opinionated people are not educated on the subjects. There are many different reasons for this supreme lack of knowledge. First, there are people who are just misinformed. Maybe they were raised in a household that strongly supported a woman's choice to abort. So, instead of reading up on the matter, they took on their parent's views and will defend them to the end. Possibly their church is preaching that God genuinely hates gays, an they don't know any better to question why. Or, worst of all, they heard someone mention that some people support the Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin verdict and others are outraged. They listened in to their friends and family and figured out the more popular opinion, and decided to agree. I think misinformed people might be the easiest people to deal with. Some of them are genuinely unaware that their facts are flawed. I think passing on knowledge to someone is very rewarding, so I don't mind sitting down with them to talk. Granted some of them do not want to hear what you have to say, but that's okay. The point is not to make everyone agree with you; it is to pass on information so people can proudly stand their ground.
Next on the list are people who take all of their information from the scripture. This is a tough subject for me because, despite my radical views and really complex idea of religion, I do believe in God. I think using the scripture as a guideline to living a generally good and fulfilling life is great. I also recognize that it is a very old book that has been changed, edited, and re-written throughout history. The issue comes when people think this old, altered book is the set of rules for all lives and that it can realistically be applied to today's World. Just as bad are the people who think that they have the knowledge to read the words and then decipher which parts we should follow and which parts are no longer relevant. These people are my least favorite when it comes to having a real conversation about important topics. No matter how many facts you know, how many sources you cite, or if you have actual tangible evidence, they will not back down. It is amazing to have that kind of trust in your opinions. It's great that they know why they believe what they believe. But, they are not nice to speak with because they never seem to want to hear what you have to say and they want you to subscribe to their ideals. A discussion with them is more like an interrogation. They seem to have a hard time wrapping their heads around the idea that not everyone interprets the bible the same way and, in fact, some people don't believe the bible at all. I hope that one day they can open their minds up to just a little bit of facts. I don't think faith is very strong if you never challenge it.
The last set of people are people who think their political standing determines their views. These people are either Republicans or Democrats depending on what their parents are, what their friends are, and what demographics they are from. If the general view of their political party is one thing, they will stand by that view for absolutely no reason other than they think that is how they should feel. They are very sure they feel that way and they will yell about it for days, but they can't really tell you why. Chances are they will say things like "That's what I believe and I have the freedom of speech" or "Any self respecting (member of their party) would agree with me" or something else along those lines. They love to drag God and freedom into it as much as possible to back them up. These people may or may not listen to what you have to say. They probably won't step aside and admit that they were wrong, but there's a chance they will get some information from your discussion and actually retain it.
My plea to you is to be loud, be passionate, be opinionated, but above all please be educated. If you hear about an issue and it upsets you, read into it. Figure out what the two sides are, go to reputable sources, and pick a side. Please don't read just one news link and decide how you feel. Remember: the more you know, the more you can defend your opinion and the more you can educate those around you. If you only contribute to society in one way, let it be with a strong educated voice. Don't be afraid to change your opinion as the facts come along, either. This may sound silly, but isn't it worse to continue spreading ideals that you no longer believe in? People grow, people change, and people learn new things. Go out there and advocate!! The people who get out there and make noise will be a part of history. If you can spend your time, money, and energy cheering on a sports team...can't you do the same for an issue that may change life as we know it? Wouldn't you rather be on the right side of history?
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