Hyped up on Hypocrisy

The following is a soapbox post about my sometimes considered extremely liberal ideals.

Seriously, don't keep reading if you think it might upset you.

You were warned.

Today was the national "spread the word to end the word" campaign. As I donned my t-shirt of support, I was struck with thoughts of intolerance, ignorance, and disrespect (oh, not my own. Actions I have witnessed). I understand being an advocate for activities you support and morals you stand behind. But there is a difference between being an advocate for conservative ideals and being cruel and, quite frankly, unChristlike.

Allow me to explain a situation that occurred today, which was not unlike an average day in the life of a middle school teacher. A young man was being interviewed about his love for dancing and a video was shown demonstrating his clear aptitude for the skill. As a student was was watching the interview, I overheard a suggestion in a derogatory tone that, of course, he must have a certain sexual orientation because of the things he loves. My response? His sexual orientation does not matter. He is doing what he loves, and he is incredible.

Furthermore, on any given day I can walk through the halls between classes and hear various students call each other retarded and gay in a teasing manner like it's no big deal.

I am in shock and awe. I don't understand. Why can't we raise our children to have respect and love for people if for no other reason than they are human beings just like us. Why is this kind of behavior tolerated? I don't understand how people can call themselves the followers of Christ and do and say things that blatantly hurt their brothers and sisters. (I know, I know. Aren't I being a hypocrite because I am judging others? I will not justify my actions other than to say that if my judgement leads to at least one person thinking twice about the derogatory terms that slip past their lips, and he/she determines to make a change, then I consider my sin a success in that I making the world a better place and bringing one soul closer to Christ). I feel that if we truly understand our relationship with our Heavenly Father-who we are as his children-we would never want to do anything to cause harm to any of His other children. Whether they choose to believe it or not, He loves all of us equally.

I would never suggest that people should be out advocating for things they do not believe in. But I am bold enough to suggest that if these people are true Christians, they would not let such hurtful and slanderous words escape their lips.

That homo you made fun of is someones child, best friend, or Auntie Jane.

When you poke fun at that retard, you insult a beloved child of God.

Don't get me wrong. It's not just sexual orientation or intellectual disabilities that I am an advocate of respect towards. I think all disrespect and intolerance for human life is deplorable. But for reasons beyond my understanding, these kind of disgusting remarks are tolerated in my culture. I hate it.

It is my sincerest plea that people contemplate the things they choose to say, and put themselves in the shoes of the people they choose to be negative about and towards. Respect should be universal.

Tomorrow's post is a trip back to the inspiration for this blog...assigned mass dating.