By: Julia Wengier | Editor in Chief
September 5, 2019
In a time where the country is so vastly divided on a number of different issues, extremities exist in both directions. Meanwhile, everyone is told to put aside their differences and come together despite their contrasting opinions, since we are capable of respect.
Although it is ideal that the country meets in the middle rather than continuing to divide, there are certain “opinions” that cannot be respected. Invalidating someone’s life or rights as a human being is not a political opinion, and saying so excuses the very nature of these dangerous mindsets.
The immigration crisis can be used as an example. In theory, it makes sense to accept someone regardless of their immigration beliefs, but in practice, it becomes the issue of whether or not children should be separated from their families. This is entirely different than general immigration policies. Normalizing the ongoing abuse and human rights violation at the border brings the nation closer to a modern-day Holocaust. It is not a matter of politics whether any person, legal or illegal, should be given the right to their families, to hygiene, to privacy, to comfort, or to basic necessities.
Choosing to support or enable these grotesque actions is not respectable, nor is anyone entitled to this “opinion.” More importantly, anyone with a moral compass knows that “uniting” with those who believe in hate at its core only dismisses and enables the hate.
It is essential to the safety of this country that hate remains unacceptable.
Even if it results in a divided country, at least there is a side fighting injustice set by the majority of the country over centuries.
With straight, white males having the upper hand for most of history, it isn’t surprising that minorities are facing backlash for fighting for acceptance in society. In addition to the border crisis, almost anyone is at risk for receiving political hate.
“Just because you think it, doesn’t mean you need to spread it to the world,” San Clemente High School senior Amarii Sandoval said. “I don’t need to hear or respect how you hate a part of me.”
With LGBTQ rights expanding and gaining increasing attention, there are those who express their “opinions” about the community. While there is some discussion about the true definition of gender, sexuality, and whether they are on a spectrum, there are also uneducated, ignorant individuals attempting to weigh in on the subject. This entails anything from accepting a lesbian couple purely because they are attractive to refusing to respect someone’s preferred pronouns. At that point, the discussion has changed from a discussion to an alienating of those who are different. Whether or not to respect those who are trans is not a political opinion, nor should anyone accept it as such.
“In times of political tension, especially modern-day, people allow their true intentions to show, and excuse the opposing side’s backlash as sensitivity,” senior Ana Gallardo said. “Since many morals are intertwined with politics, it’s easy to excuse a racist or inappropriate opinion as an opposing political opinion.”
On the topic of the homosexual community, normal people don’t support hating and bashing gay people. Not even religious conservatives. They just ask that they’re not forced to perform gay marriages in their churches, not because they hate gay people but because that’s what they read in the Bible (Romans 1:27). You may disagree with their religion, which you are very much welcome to criticize, but categorizing their beliefs as pure “hate” is a gross misrepresentation.
Transgenderism is a special issue. There are those who do completely disagree with the entire idea of transitioning from male to female or vice versa. But this idea is not born out of a hate of trans; it’s a disagreement of basic premises: biological males are men and biological females are women. Even while disagreeing with transgenderism, many conservatives will decide to refer trans people by their referred pronouns because they respect the person to whom they are talking. I think that’s the key point here: respect. As long as it’s clear we all have respect for each other, we’ll be ok in the long run.
I’d just like to add at the end that it would help if you gave quoted examples of speech about controversial or debated, that would be helpful. Giving examples of LGBTQ+ opinions that you deem acceptable and unacceptable would go a long way, however, I’m not yet sure if this would make for good writing.
California Conservative,
Thank you for your response! It is always nice to get feedback on the articles that we publish. I will try my best to respond to your criticism as you addressed it.
I agree with you that “normal people” do not support hatred of the LGBT community. Unfortunately, there is more disrespect and intolerance in the nation than meets the eye. As I referenced in this article, a form of hatred for homosexuality is hidden even in accepting lesbians for sexual desires rather than respect. My sister, holding hands with her girlfriend, was once told that her relationship was okay because they were both pretty girls. It is almost unbelievable, but it happens all the time. Religion is a touchy subject, as well, but it is important to remember that interpretations of the Bible do often change. There are many things that the Bible teaches that are often disregarded today, like not to wear clothes made of two different materials and how to handle your slaves. Regardless, religion is a freedom and this should be respected. We enter gray-area only when beliefs disrespect other people. It is hard to navigate, but compassion is the key to maintaining tolerant religious beliefs or to handling how to both stay true to your religion and to remain tolerant. For many, this is accomplished. For some, it is not. The article is addressed to those who excuse their intolerance as politics.
It is difficult for those who identify with their biological sex to understand those who do not. Regardless, respect and compassion are needed. My personal advice would be to keep an open mind, and understand that “basic premises” are actually still being researched and explored. There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding gender and gender identity, and perhaps that’s an article for a different time. It is most important to listen to minorities, whether or not their lifestyles align with your current beliefs, and expand your exposure and your compassions. Often times we speak for minorities rather than listening to them (I will admit to this, as well– it is hard to listen to minorities in such a homogenous area). I understand that there are conservatives who are respectful of preferred pronouns, and this article was never aimed at them. It was not aimed at only conservatives, for that matter; hate can come from both sides of the political spectrum.
Respect is crucial in today’s political climate. It has to come from both sides, however, and unfortunately that is not the world in which we live. My argument is that someone who refuses to respect someone for something which that person cannot control, does not deserve respect in return. Their intolerance, their hatred, is not a valid opinion, especially in the world of politics. Thank you for your input recommending that I provide examples of hate speech versus political opinion! In future opinion articles I will consider this critique in explaining my reasoning. I am truly sorry that you did not find this work to be “good writing,” but I do write articles for this publication other than liberal opinion pieces– maybe you’ll find one that you enjoy more than this.
Thanks again,
Julia Wengier | Editor in Chief