Speak Less, Listen More
How to Listen
There are many things that are currently happening in America, Trump becoming president, laws changing, and people fighting for their rights. In this moment of turmoil, the best thing we can do is understand each other, instead of physically hurting each other. I’m not saying to take someone else's belief and make them your own, but just listen to what others have to say so that you can better understand their actions.This can create a less hostile environment so that there is room for civil conversations. I think this is pretty fucking important because it seems like we're living in a very important time in American History (fingers crossed).
Topics That are Causing Conflict
I’m currently living in Virginia and the two topics that have been causing some conflicts here are the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) and the Confederate flag. I have heard about BLM from fellow peers saying things such as “they’re a hate group or they hate white people” and it has really skewed the perspective of this organization in a negative fashion for some people.
When talking about the Confederate flag, I’ve gotten feedback such as, “they are white supremacist or they believe in slavery” This has made many uneducated minorities believe that their lives are being threatened. (I’m not saying that there is nothing to worry about. Finish reading this blog before you express your opinion)
I’m not here to talk down on anyone’s views because I do believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion. On that note, in my opinion, I believe that there are extreme people in every group. For example, there are people who support BLM (Black Lives Matter) who hate white people, and there are white people who wave the Confederate flag that is indeed racist. However, that does not mean that every person who supports BLM hates white people, or that every person who owns a confederate flag is racist.
(I don't own this photo. It belongs to Shenandoah University)
Communities Should Come Together
Yes, this sounds like some kumbaya shit to do, but it could honestly help. You don’t believe me? Fine. Be a part of the problem. As a Latina that currently attends a Predominately White Institution (PWI), I have had my fair share of moments where I have disagreed with someone’s beliefs and this university has shown me the power of conversations and listening to understand rather than for the sake of replying. Without this type of environment, how could someone ever feel comfortable to be themselves?
Once again if you disagree with me, that's fine. I'm open to all perspectives, so please message me or leave a comment behind. I just want to make sure people are aware that aggression may not always be the answer. Take a second and listen to someone, and maybe you’ll come to realize something you didn’t know about them before.This is an important time in history and I’m pretty sure you want to live through it so you can tell your future children about it.
P.S. This video is not realistic to some, but Joyner Lucas shows a great example of what listening to someone to understand rather than for the sake of replying looks like.
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