Hmm… The title of that old MxPx song has always stuck with me. Recently, I’ve been challenged to face the opinions, thoughts, and excuses that make up my “political views”. Growing up abroad cultivated somewhat of an apathetic attitude towards American politics. Not that I didn’t care what was going on in my government, but I didn’t see a need to form an opinion or really understand the system. Oh wait—I have a memory of arguing with my politically liberal and opinionated Uncle in the living room of his home when I was about ten years old. I adamantly argued that Bush Sr. would be a better president than Clinton. My uncle laughed at my childish ignorance, sure I’d formed my opinion based on my father’s conservative viewpoint. Father always prefaced his political discussions by noting the triviality of government and how the natural world was secondary to the spiritual realm. I think his role as a cleric and his belief in the separation of church and state contributed to this attitude (I will insert a disclaimer that this is my perception of my father, not a true representation of his beliefs. In the last eight years, I’ve seen a more political side of my father as he’s taken an active role in the community).
High school government/econ class was extremely boring. US history was trite and uninteresting—especially compared to the Asian and European history I studied and lived.
I’m sure attending a Christian university (recently deemed “Bush country”) perpetuated my chosen ignorance towards the American political scene. Whenever I heard folks complain about this country (whether about politics, culture, economics or whatever) I immediately piped up “got a complaint, get out”. We are blessed to live in such a prospering nation that has endured merely an iota of the political unrest most nations in the world have experienced. Granted, I usually kept a measured voice as not to stir up unnecessary trouble.
Moving back to the Pacific Northwest opened my eyes to the prevalence of political perspectives held by the average Joe or Juanita. I found myself reading the newspaper more often and researching controversial issues on the web. Alas, I maintained distance in vocalizing my thoughts. This year, I endeavored a Master’s program at The Evergreen State College and realized how little I truly knew of the political climate in this nation and the world. I’ve been inspired to listen to both sides of arguments (my Church side, which tends to be conservative, and my school or public side, which leans towards liberalism). I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum but strongly hold to the philosophy that I ought to wisely pick my battles. I try to at least be aware of the “facts” of the debate, but I prefer not to develop an ultimatum because the hot topics change almost daily and I can’t keep up!
It finally dawned on me in oh…the last two weeks why I’ve kept my distance on these issues. I feel so far behind in my knowledge that it would take a lifetime to catch up and form an educated opinion on a plethora of topics that are equally important. What can I do?
If I remain ignorant, then I’ve chosen this ignorance (yes, I know I chose it in the past, so it would be simple to maintain). In choosing ignorance, I am silently agreeing with the system—resulting in the perpetuation of the status quo. I profess to believe in justice, equality, upholding “truth,” and a number of other noble ideals. How then, do I find myself taking a passive role? Am I choosing to shut up and sing? To jump through the hoops of a “mightier” force? If I’ve chosen to this point, then why can’t I choose to change? Or…maybe I just can’t be bothered. And here I sit, unsure of my next move.
Speaking up and getting shot down because the facts you know to be "true" are actually false--this is not a loss. This is a learning experience. Sitting quietly does imply agreement with the status quo--but it also amplifies a lack of self-confidence. Much more self-confident than you give yourself credit for, I suggest you make your views--even if misguided--heralded profusely. But, be patient with those who correct you without taking offense--again, learning comes through mistake.
ReplyDeleteI like the term "heralded profusely." Thanks for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about learning experience though. And we usually learn more when we fall flat on our faces or make a mistake. Sometimes the pain of those moments isn't worth the education of the experience. In fact, I'd prefer to avoid as much pain as possible.
Avoiding pain is an admirable goal. However, non-physical pain is difficult to measure--since it is purely mental. The degree of pain you incur is directly proportional to the amount of relevance you allow something to have in your life. For example, the pain of being rejcted by someone because you lauded George W. as a supreme and wonderful president only matters if the person rejecting you has value in your life. If you don't care what people think--as a general rule--pain is less likely. (This post not meant as endorsement of GW Bush).
ReplyDeleteBeyond that, often we do not realize we are falling flat while we are in the process of doing it. Therefore, taking the plunge may correlate with having hope that things will work out.