An Ill Whim That Does Nobody Good

It’s like discussing religion:

Let’s say there’s a guy on the street corner with a megaphone and a holy book, shouting in your face that if you don’t listen to him, you’re going to end up in hell for all eternity. He’s angry. He’s furious. He doesn’t understand how you could be so ignorant. And because he’s practically spitting in your face over an issue you know little about, you hate him and disregard him and even maybe write off everything he stands for. And it’s all because he acted superior—he forced his opinions on you and condemned you for not agreeing.

But then, let’s say that you meet a guy and you start having a discussion about faith. And even though you don’t necessarily agree with his views, you both are willing to have a respectful and meaningful conversation about the subject. He tries his best to calmly inform you about why he believes what he does. Maybe you end up agreeing with him. And maybe you don’t. But regardless of what either of you end up believing, you both leave the conversation knowing a little more than you did before about the different viewpoints that exist in the world. And that information causes you both to be more well-rounded and tolerant of others.

It’s a running joke that people on Tumblr get offended easily—and the ones that send angry messages condemning the ignorance of adversaries are named part of Tumblr’s Social Justice division. Whitewashing, feminism, privilege, rape culture—these issues and more are common subjects of a Social Justice’s frustration.

But consider the two scenarios I shared above. If you’re trying to convey a message, do you think people will respond more to shouting and condemnation or respectful, open-minded discussion? Hint: it will always be the latter. But ironically, most of the Social Justice division opt for the former.

Let’s change that. If you have an issue with a current hot topic, feel free to let an opponent know. But instead of using charged words, insults, and caps-lock shouting, try opening yourself up to a respectful, calm, and supportive conversation. Be willing to teach. Be willing to learn. Be happy when the other person agrees with you, and be all right even if they don’t. Because at the end of the day, social justice is what you’re after, isn’t it? And what better way to achieve a great society than to set an example for others by acting in an accepting, polite, kindhearted, and patient manner?

An Ill Whim That Does Nobody Good

On “Social Justice”