A Note For Radicals: Nice People Can Change The World Too

With recent protests and riots breaking out all over the United States (and Canada) due to police brutality, it is extremely difficult not to be hateful. In fact, some people think hate is actually an acceptable response. When you direct hate at a person rather than at a situation, you’re making the issue that much worse.

So, you’re yelling at people on the internet on a daily basis because they have a different opinion. What the hell are you thinking? That’s not the best use of your time. I understand being angry; you should be angry. Yet, there are more effective ways to attract attention to the cause than being a close-minded, internet-addicted radical.

You need to CALM DOWN. Yes, I said it. Verbally attacking people for being “apathetic” when they’re probably just being reasonable is rude. If you are verbally fighting with people and not listening to their opinions, you’re rude. Okay? Perhaps you’re swearing, which brings rude up to cruel. Good job. Now you’re backing a worthy cause—because we all should agree black lives matter–but being mean to those you encounter in your day-to-day life. What’s the point? How can you have compassion for people you don’t know and be hateful towards those you do? Think about it.

My “friend”, who is as radical as they come, told me “privilege is baffling.” This hurtful phrase was only one of many. I have seen someone say, “go kill yourself” and “can we set a time and a place for your execution” to someone who voiced a complaint about the protests interrupting the Christmas tree lighting in Boston. I have heard “you are the oppressor if you care about a dumb tree lighting ceremony.” These comments are harsh and unnecessary. An opinion slightly different than your own, apparently, is not worth listening to. We are turning against each other and I am heartbroken. Swearing and yelling about people is NOT how you go about change.

My opinion is this: 6 + 3 = 9. 5 + 4 = 9. There are different ways to get to the same solution. I choose to be compassionate and inspire compassion in others. I choose to protest or ask for change without breaking that compassion and to always ensure balance in all things. I will never regret asking you to avoid hurting others. I am not a racist or an oppressor because I think empathy or compassion is necessary. I am not an idiot for thinking we should not repeat the past movements but improve on them. Causing more hurt cannot help you. I want change too, but there are better ways than spreading more hate.

You want to swear at other people and yell at them for approaching this from a different angle? Fine, that’s your issue. You think you’re a good person because you care about a cause? What does it matter if you don’t care about people you converse with? What does it matter if you don’t respect another’s opinion? Compassion in every day life inspires change. If you’re not constantly being a decent person, you’re part of this country’s issue.