Treating someone like they’re the physical (or digital) embodiment of a political platform is an absolute farce.
Want to know about someone’s political mindset? Ask her questions like she’s a whole person. Critique him like he’s a person. Just don’t ask someone to personally answer for, apologize for or justify your limited interpretation of a broad, socio-political philosophy.
You and I shouldn’t have to answer for “The Left” or “The Right.”
Not in personal conversation.
And I’m trying to be a centrist here.
I’m not a centrist.
I am human… which means I’ve got a few complexities.
Which also means I am likely conflicted.
And likely… so are you.
Our nuances and inner-conflicts make us interesting and vulnerable.
That’s where the room is for movement and learning and compromise and relationship.
But the minute I flatten you for convenience, I kill movement and learning and compromise and relationship,.. trading all that in for control; I get to think I know where you and I “stand on the issues”… as if that’s ever enough.
There are things about the Democratic platform (in particular seasons) I really dig. There are many others I despise. There are things I passionately love about the Republican platform (in particular seasons)… and there are things I can’t stand.
Again.. that doesn’t make me a centrist… it just means I’m trying to be thoughtful. I love thoughtful people. I love talking with thoughtful people. I think most people are thoughtful people when given the chance to break down what’s really in their hearts and minds. How about we assume and expect that of one another?
In my experience of personal conversation, the terms “Leftist” and “Right Wing” are only convenient for the purposes of either writing someone off or creating a false sense of solidarity. Nobody (and I mean NOBODY) falls perfectly in line with the philosophy and methodology of the political party they’re affiliated with. So, let’s not treat each-other like we do.
Let’s ask honest questions of complex people and expect human answers.