She Strengthens

Growing Up in the Shadow of Conservatism

My childhood in suburban Atlanta was marked by a sense of restlessness. I couldn’t wait to escape the confines of a conservative bubble that seemed to suffocate me. My high school was unofficially segregated, and I was taught a whitewashed version of history that downplayed the role of slavery in the Civil War. The lack of diversity and openness was palpable, and I felt like I didn’t belong.

A Path to Self-Discovery

When I decided to attend college in Vermont, I thought I was leaving all that behind. I expected to find a liberal utopia where inclusivity and diversity were the norm. And in many ways, I did. My college campus was a hub of progressive activity, with clubs and centers dedicated to supporting marginalized communities. I took classes that challenged my worldview and met people from all walks of life. Vermont became a place where I felt truly alive.

But Reality Sets In

However, as I delved deeper into my new surroundings, I realized that even in liberal America, there were still pockets of conservatism and intolerance. I encountered people who held anti-choice views, and I saw firsthand the struggles of marginalized students on campus. The rose-tinted glasses I wore when I first arrived in Vermont began to fade, and I saw the world for what it truly was – complex and multifaceted.

A Lesson Learned

I came to understand that the world isn’t black and white, and that flawed worldviews and blind spots exist everywhere. There is no progressive utopia, and bigotry isn’t unique to any one region or group of people. This realization was both liberating and disheartening.

The Danger of Dismissal

Recently, I’ve seen many liberal and progressive individuals react to anti-choice bills in Georgia and Alabama with dismissal and disdain. They call for boycotts and cancellations, without considering the impact on the people who live in those states. They forget that poverty and marginalization can limit one’s ability to simply pick up and move to a different state. This kind of cavalier attitude towards the livelihoods of others is not only unkind but also unproductive.

The Power of Empathy

It’s essential to remember that people with different views exist everywhere, and that hate and intolerance are not limited to any one region or group. Instead of dismissing entire groups of people, we should strive to understand their perspectives and work towards creating a world where everyone can benefit from legislation that reflects our values. We must recognize that the struggles of those in “red” states are not so different from our own.

A Call to Action

Let’s work towards creating a world where everyone has access to healthcare, social safety nets, and livable wages. Let’s not dismiss entire groups of people based on their state government or political beliefs. Instead, let’s focus on building bridges and fostering empathy. Only then can we truly make progress towards a more just and equitable society.