The Intolerant 37 | Personal #003

So during election season I have been doing a poll of my own. I've counted the # of people who have told me to unfriend/unfollow them if my views were not the same as theirs.

37.

I have the screenshots to back up every single one. 37 "friends" have asked that I never speak to them again, never follow them, never comment again, and never like their posts ever again. 37 have deduced me down to my vote, citing my support for a political candidate as the reason why I must be _____ & _____ & ______ & _____. Fill in whatever derogatory remarks you'd like in those blanks.

My Perspective/Analysis/Column

I'd like to argue that I am a good guy. Anyone and everyone who spends time with me knows I am tolerant, welcoming, and friendly. I have grown immensely over the past 4 years and hope to continue this growth over the next 4.

To the 37 who've called me every derogatory name in the books for the past year I'd like to plead MY case, not to why my politics are "better" or "right", but to why I'M a decent human being.

I take pride in the fact that I have not shared one piece of political propaganda over the course of this election. If you truly know me you know who I'm voting for. If you're one of the 37, I'm sorry that you cannot see fellow humans beyond the lens of politics.

If my silence is an indictment of who I am than so be it. I hope that you find joy in your social media echo chamber. If my vote is the end of a friendship than so be it. My lens and my perspective is my own. My worldly view on finance, relationships, economics, mental health, social programs, taxes, racism, etc is my own. I am proud of the man I have become. I hope/pray that you can see other humans beyond their vote. We are complex, deeply thoughtful, and highly intelligent creatures. Each with our own perspective and outlook on the world. My vote is not the end of who I am.

I challenge the 37 to reflect on the results of the election, was the rhetoric worth it? Did the info-graphics you shared slandering your "friends" on the other side do anything beneficial? Did you grow, mentally/spiritually/physically, as a human being during the elections cycle?

Look beyond someone's vote and you might just find a friend, look only at their vote and you'll be dealing in absolutes. Ally or Enemy. Friend vs. Foe.