I’m done with the meanness. I’m done with the acrimony. With the constant need to brand anybody with whom we disagree as racist, fascist, devoid of moral core. I don’t think anything good can come from constantly trying to run others into the ground. So we disagree. I get it. We have views that are polar opposites of each other. Get that, too. But we’re not chimpanzees and there’s no need to keep flinging shit at each other. Where’s that gotten us exactly?
These are the most vicious, mean, and divided times I can recall. Everybody beyond our clan is an outsider. They are all “others.” Only they’re not. They are fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. Individuals with a history and a value and who simply come from a different place on the map. Now I’m more than capable of flinging poo and I’ve done my fair share down the years. But it achieved nothing, resolved nothing, and persuaded nobody. So about that silent majority who swept Boris to power on Thursday; are they all racist and soulless and hate filled? Don’t be so daft. Some might be, to be sure, but for the most part they are just people, encumbered with flaws and crinkles. That’s what being a person is. That’s the human condition. I understand that we cannot all agree and frankly I’d dislike it if we did. Bring on the disagreement and the mental combat, but surely we can achieve this without trying to belittle and insult the other side? Oh heck, I’m under no illusion that I have the ability to change your perspective on this. Perhaps we truly are so entrenched that we are beyond unification. But if not that then how about just plain decency? Can you come that far with me? A bit of kindness, a bit of extra respect? Anybody?
