Every so often, though, I'm reminded of the very small but very deep gulfs between our points of view - generational and philosophical, but primarily the latter. Very specifically, this time they both stated that they'd voted for Prop 8, in accordance with Catholic stances on marriage and homosexuality. I can't say I'm surprised, but it was kind of a kick in the gut regardless to see them on the other side of what may be the defining civil rights issue of my generation. (Kudos to Ben in SF for sparking my realization of that one.)
I didn't want to argue it with them - not after the fact, and not when I only really get to see them two days a year at best. But it got me to thinking - my grandparents are certainly not the only generally fair-minded, liberal and generous people who supported that awful legislation for reasons of their own. And I imagine a lot of those people are younger, less set in their ways, and may well be convinced to change their minds before the next time this thing comes up to public vote, as it inevitably will. I don't live in California anymore, and I'm woefully inadequate at public activism, but goddamnit, I can argue. Words are my friends.
So, I've been making it my mission to delve through the dark corners of the Intertubes, seeking out Pro-8 voters willing to discuss their motivations, and holding them up to a microscope. I'm doing my best to be respectful of their personal views - even the ones I find personally noxious and hateful - and debate it on their own territory. I guess in a way I'm arguing with my grandfather (one of the smartest and most logically consistent people I've ever known) by proxy; maybe if he's still around the next time this comes up, I'll be ready to try it.
I don't know if I'm going to change any minds with this, but it's worth trying. November 4th was a victory overall, but it was pocked with loss here and there, and this one was a real tragedy. It's very much the least I can do.
-R
I didn't want to argue it with them - not after the fact, and not when I only really get to see them two days a year at best. But it got me to thinking - my grandparents are certainly not the only generally fair-minded, liberal and generous people who supported that awful legislation for reasons of their own. And I imagine a lot of those people are younger, less set in their ways, and may well be convinced to change their minds before the next time this thing comes up to public vote, as it inevitably will. I don't live in California anymore, and I'm woefully inadequate at public activism, but goddamnit, I can argue. Words are my friends.
So, I've been making it my mission to delve through the dark corners of the Intertubes, seeking out Pro-8 voters willing to discuss their motivations, and holding them up to a microscope. I'm doing my best to be respectful of their personal views - even the ones I find personally noxious and hateful - and debate it on their own territory. I guess in a way I'm arguing with my grandfather (one of the smartest and most logically consistent people I've ever known) by proxy; maybe if he's still around the next time this comes up, I'll be ready to try it.
I don't know if I'm going to change any minds with this, but it's worth trying. November 4th was a victory overall, but it was pocked with loss here and there, and this one was a real tragedy. It's very much the least I can do.
-R
1 comment:
On my short-lived search for reasons why people would vote yes on prop 8, I wasn't able to come up with much.
Good luck to you.
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