I haven’t listened to the podcast but I read the post. I agree - cancel culture isn’t helpful and yet people literally posting heinous (gleefully celebrating a murder) says something about their character. It also might be something schools need to discuss with potential hires (responsible social media use). Many people understand that what they post online can have repercussions (hopefully not murder). The bigger issue is the chilling effect that has been going on for over 10 years where Republicans cannot publicly state their opinions. I had one woman, who I had known for over 10 years, whose child I had driven for school events, with whom I volunteered at school, we had been to each others homes, etc…tell another friend that she shouldn’t get in a car with me because I “voted for Trump.” That was an assumption on her part, but I can’t tell you how sad it felt for me. One assumption on her part and I was persona non grata. My experience has been that Democrats started this. I felt compelled to mostly hide my political beliefs, while listening to others opinions that I often disagreed with and said very little out of fear of ostracism. The murder of Charlie Kirk feels like a watershed moment to me. Why can’t I too, have an opinion? I certainly don’t want to hurt others or even offend them, but my opinion might be different and I shouldn’t be fearful of the repercussions. I am fine being friends with others with whom I disagree on issues - in fact MANY of my friends believe differently from me. But if they knew I believed differently, many of them wouldn’t continue the relationship.
It pains me that we feel like we can't tell each other our truths. It's the only way forward. I remember going to Washington with President Obama and wondering why the Republicans wouldn't work with us, and then realizing that this has been going on for decades. I don't think it's just one party's fault because I've seen both parties play divisive games, but what it led to, especially during COVID with isolation and judgement was so destructive. I've said time and time again if we wonder why our kids were getting in fights on playgrounds post COVID it's because I've watched us adults. I'm sorry for your experience. And I hope that we can speak with one another, regardless of political views. I welcome your perspective.
I haven’t listened to the podcast but I read the post. I agree - cancel culture isn’t helpful and yet people literally posting heinous (gleefully celebrating a murder) says something about their character. It also might be something schools need to discuss with potential hires (responsible social media use). Many people understand that what they post online can have repercussions (hopefully not murder). The bigger issue is the chilling effect that has been going on for over 10 years where Republicans cannot publicly state their opinions. I had one woman, who I had known for over 10 years, whose child I had driven for school events, with whom I volunteered at school, we had been to each others homes, etc…tell another friend that she shouldn’t get in a car with me because I “voted for Trump.” That was an assumption on her part, but I can’t tell you how sad it felt for me. One assumption on her part and I was persona non grata. My experience has been that Democrats started this. I felt compelled to mostly hide my political beliefs, while listening to others opinions that I often disagreed with and said very little out of fear of ostracism. The murder of Charlie Kirk feels like a watershed moment to me. Why can’t I too, have an opinion? I certainly don’t want to hurt others or even offend them, but my opinion might be different and I shouldn’t be fearful of the repercussions. I am fine being friends with others with whom I disagree on issues - in fact MANY of my friends believe differently from me. But if they knew I believed differently, many of them wouldn’t continue the relationship.
It pains me that we feel like we can't tell each other our truths. It's the only way forward. I remember going to Washington with President Obama and wondering why the Republicans wouldn't work with us, and then realizing that this has been going on for decades. I don't think it's just one party's fault because I've seen both parties play divisive games, but what it led to, especially during COVID with isolation and judgement was so destructive. I've said time and time again if we wonder why our kids were getting in fights on playgrounds post COVID it's because I've watched us adults. I'm sorry for your experience. And I hope that we can speak with one another, regardless of political views. I welcome your perspective.