Ask Lemmy

Correct: it is false that 100% of republicans are bad people.

Further to that point I find it bizarre that people identify so strongly with their vote. I think it is more common in America, but in Canada where I am from it is common to vote for one party provincially and another party federally. I regularly change my vote based on policy. As a side note, conservatism practiced by a good political party can be an incredibly powerful and good movement. Unfortunately I have not lived under good conservative leadership in my lifetime, nor during good conservative campaigning and as such have never voted for a conservative government. But that doesn’t make conservatism bad in my eyes and by golly I do not hate people because they vote differently than me. I have had thought provoking discussions though.

I think that people identifying themselves and others with a belief system or a social construct is the root cause of the problem we’re addressing. My friend does not need to invent a new religion because she is not transphobic. She loves Jesus Christ and is therefore a Christian. Just like a bigot can love Jesus and is also therefor a Christian. They are different people. This idea that if you identify a certain way that you somehow pledge allegiance to the socially perceived version of that thing and are somehow identical to everyone else in that group is so problematic, not to mention simple minded. The world is not black and white. It’s complicated and full of nuance.

FFS just talk to someone outside of your circle and you’ll realize you probably agree on most things. And if not, move on — or better yet let them attempt to change your mind, or read a book about it, maybe you’re wrong. Either way, hatred is not with the energy.