public domain via wikimedia commoms<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThese issues are big and important and fraught with complications.\u00a0 They are not easy to understand for some people, indeed for many people.\u00a0 Even people who are avid supporters of something can express some confusion or doubt about small things within that something.<\/p>\n
These are things I see sometimes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI support trans people, they can identify as who they want and should be able to do so without fear.\u00a0 But whatever you do you can\u2019t change your biology therefore a transwoman will never be a real woman.\u201d<\/em> Boom, trans hater! Bigot! Right wing terrorist!<\/p>\n\u201cI support gay people, and gay marriage.\u00a0 But I still think sexuality is a choice and not something you are born with.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Homophobe! Bigot!<\/p>\n\u201cChildren should be taught about sex and contraception, safe sex and sexual health so they don\u2019t develop any sexual hangups.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Paedophile! Burn in hell!<\/p>\nHow do you feel about the above statements?\u00a0 Do they upset you, anger you or offend you?\u00a0 Why?<\/p>\n
Do you think it could be possible for a gay person to believe they aren\u2019t born that way, that it\u2019s a choice?\u00a0 Would you tell them they are a homophobe?\u00a0 Some trans people believe they will never be truly the sex they need to be\u2026 Are they bigots?<\/p>\n
The thing is, one can fully support a cause, a person, a group of people without actually agreeing with everything they say and believe.\u00a0 Doubting or holding a firm opposing opinion about one issue in a series of complex issues, does not equal<\/em><\/strong> being opposed to the entire series of complex issues at hand.<\/p>\nI disagree with a lot of things that a lot of people say.\u00a0 I disagree with the things my loved ones say.\u00a0 Does it mean I do not support them and love them? No.\u00a0 It really doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
People are too quick to assume the worst in the people around them.\u00a0 Express any doubt and you will be shot down in flames.\u00a0 And you will be in the wrong, according to the world.\u00a0 Because you expressed doubt.\u00a0 But it\u2019s okay that everyone has made assumptions about you, accused you of hating people you do not hate, accusing you of being things you are not.\u00a0 That\u2019s okay.\u00a0 But your little bit of doubt or disagreement.\u00a0 Burn in hell you evil monster!<\/p>\n
Beyond this though, when someone expresses confusion on an issue, how do you think they will learn the truth you would wish for them to learn, if you stamp your feet and scream expletives and insults at them?<\/p>\n
Not everyone is receptive to courteous discourse and debate, of course not.\u00a0 But there are many out there right now, keeping silent, hiding their doubts and confusion because they have seen what happens to those who ask questions that seem a little tiny bit \u201cwrong\u201d.<\/p>\n
The world is loud with the screams of the offended and hateful.\u00a0 The world is loud with those fighting for their causes.<\/p>\n
But there in your bold shadows are the silent ones who do not understand, because they can\u2019t hear any truth through all the screaming.\u00a0 There in the corner are the ones whispering in their heads, scared to express their doubt and learn the truths they need to learn, because no one is willing to listen and answer.\u00a0 Your screams push the silent ones down.<\/p>\n
The silent ones are the ones who could give you the best support, even in their doubts they could support you.\u00a0 Because of their doubts they would be your best supporters, because they can show the world that it\u2019s okay to disagree.\u00a0 It is okay and it is possible to do so without judgement, to disagree with only love and support.\u00a0 The silent ones are the people you need.<\/p>\n
But you scream them down.<\/p>\n
You make them afraid.<\/p>\n
And they stay silent.<\/p>\n
And the world will never learn.<\/p>\n
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Please note, this post was actually written several days ago, before that now deleted post by Erick DuPree was published. Thus, while this does perhaps tie into that issue and is related, it is in no way to be considered a response to that specific issue here on Patheos Pagan. \u00a0In this post I am speaking of the silent ones, the people who are too scared to raise their doubts and questions, to raise what are\u00a0understandable points. \u00a0I am not speaking of direct opposition, nor of giving direct opposition a platform, which are different, though related issues.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The world is loud with the screams of the offended and hateful. But there in your bold shadows are the silent ones who do not understand, because they can’t hear any truth through all the screaming.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2764,"featured_media":454,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[18,20],"class_list":["post-452","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-debates","tag-opinion"],"yoast_head":"\n
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