Sometimes it seems that everyone has an opinion on everything all of the time. Perhaps that is ok after all who makes the rules for that sort of thing? Yet, for me, it sometimes seems better to wait a little before pronouncing, especially if the topic isn’t really one that has been researched a great deal.
I have probably held back in speaking out on many topics because I have lacked the confidence and I am trying hard to change that. I find it particularly difficult if I differ greatly from the perceived majority and the fear of being cut out or torn down always looms.
If something is really close to my heart and yet I differ in my opinion from those around me I will eventually speak up. When then the issue of LGBTQ equality was discussed in the community at large I could no longer hide for instance. Even though I live in what I would consider a conservative region of NSW I started to cautiously remind people that we all have the need to be included and respected, that we may be very different in our lifestyle but we are nevertheless the same in our humanity. I simply could not accept the pronouncement of biblical argument as I would always be able to counter with other, valid verses. It is always that which is different that is rejected, out of fear and mostly ignorance. Race, religion, nationality, we can pick on aspects about other people’s lives and pronounce, reject and dismiss. The sad thing is that they never know how limiting their lives are because of that. My life has been very different as I have had the good fortune to travel and be immersed in other people’s lives. It was challenging sometimes but I tried to learn and be open. After all I can still chose how to be and how to live. I can take a little something from here and there and add it to my life and make it richer, more exiting and colourful.
Then, of course there are politics, another difficult part of communal life. Some people are very loud trying to influence or pull people to their opinion. Often heated arguments ensue between friends, neighbours or perfect strangers. Everyone is right and many find it difficult to tolerate a differing view. Sometimes I don’t like an opinion or view of the world either but I find myself thinking that it isn’t worth challenging the other most of the time. I don’t like conflict that seems pointless and really doesn’t alter anything. That in itself probably rules me out for a career in politics, I simply wouldn’t have the stamina to push a line and argue pointless points. If arguments could be made gently, with respect and from a base of knowledge and responded to in like manner it would be one thing. We might be able to agree to disagree but it is the fervor that gets in the way for me. If I change my opinion it usually comes from having heard knowledge or a side I had not considered or seen and I have been able to reflect on that but it is never simply because someone pushes a line strongly.
Religion is another one, very close to people’s hearts or rather should I say emotions. It is often in the realm of unreasonable when people hold forth on religion. It is one thing to discuss to learn, examine and understand it is entirely another to reject because it is foreign and difficult to understand. Religions try to order people’s lives and help them to live fruitful and good lives. It is often in the interpretation by humans that a religion and its tenents fails. We don’t have to agree with everything but neither do we have to reject everything elseeither. Religion is a bit like a powerful weapon, in the wrong hands it can be dangerous and even fateful. More atrocities have been committed in the name of Religion than almost anything. I do have quite a bit of experience in the field of comparative religion and I find the more I know in some depth, the more I can relax and let live. Again I don’t have to follow what I don’t feel is suitable for my life but I can allow others to be where they are. Whilst it annoys me when people are down on say Islam without knowing the least bit about it, I generally can’t be bothered to try and correct them because it would take too long to go into any depth and their minds are already made up. I judge on an individual basis if it is worth the effort but I have accepted speaking engagements where I have been able to educate on some difficult topics.
It is far better to live in peace with others but to speak when there is some benefit in doing so, to educate, to support, to encourage to exchange ideas meaningfully. There is a lot of noise out there and I don’t need to add to it. Unless it is kind, based on some knowledge and of some use to others I will just stay fairly quiet. I will use opportunities such as this blog to voice my own views and whoever stumbles upon them may gain something or just let it be.
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