I grew up in California. I spent 26 years living in California. Californians are generally brought up a bit more liberal. We are existing in a pretty diverse community surrounded by so many religious, political, and lifestyle beliefs that it becomes second nature. I'm more comfortable around diverse groups of people than I am in a room of people that share my lifestyle.
I've always considered myself an extremely open minded person. I generally believe in treating everyone as you wish to be treated. But living in the South has taught me a whole new way to open my mind and really think about the different beliefs of people around me.
Texas is generally a conservative state. There is still a lot of racism, restrictions on women's reproductive rights, and a lot of Trump supporters. And a lot of these people are really vocal about those beliefs. They preach Christianity but also shout from the rooftops really ignorant beliefs. And something I've learned - is that you can't talk reason to someone who truly believes in what they've been bred to believe.
I'm not into dividing people politically. I actually think people who commit their lives to one party are misguided. It's more important to me to look at the bigger picture and how policy fits into the lives of Americans rather than blindly following red vs. blue. But the more I speak to the die hard reds out here, the more open minded I've become.
I used to clump any Trump supporter in a group of idiots. Because how could anyone possibly vote for such a truly horrible human being. But then I've met people whom I truly respect and enjoy that have also made the mistake of voting for Trump. And it's given me pause. It's forced me to understand why they felt the need to support such a person. And while I still don't agree with that support - I cannot possibly just lump those in the Trump voter category as idiots. Now if they're still actively touting this man as a great human being, my respect does dwindle but I digress.
It's interesting to be forced to look at someone who's beliefs you actively disagree with in a new light. No, I don't suddenly feel that a bunch of old white men have any business directing what I can do with my body - but I do feel more compassion for the people that truly believe these things. They've grown up in a really different world than I have. They feel their religion dictates what they believe. Or they're sheltered by their circumstances. The point is - people are a whole compilation of their background, religion, lifestyle, the people they spend the most time with - and they're not simply X, Y, and Z opinions.
Taking the time to find my patience, ask the questions, and be more accepting - that's what the South is teaching me. Slowly, but surely, I'm getting there. I'm starting to realize how lucky I was to grow up in a state that gave me the world of diversity it did. I truly never thought in 2017 there were people out there in major cities promoting hate and antiquated views - but there are. And they're not a rarity. That's why continuing to talk - respectfully - is critical to the cycle of life today. And its equally as critical that even when you vehemently disagree with someone else, that you treat them with respect.
...Unless they're actively hurting other people, then the gloves are off and I'm coming for you - because you have every right to believe what you believe, but the second it hurts another, you're out of bounds and deserve to be shown a better way.
#ShineOn