The following is a repost of a short article that I wrote in the weeks following the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. I had engaged in several difficult, yet important conversations about many of the political topics currently dividing our nation. I used to consider myself “apolitical”, but 2020 changed that. There was no longer any space to remain silent about the things that matter.

Not that I’ve ever really been silent, about anything—I’m actually extremely outspoken. And I have always chosen to exercise the constitutional right to vote that my ancestors and gender counterparts fought so very hard for. Rather, the thing that shifted …was my perspective.

Throughout the past few years, I’ve had the chance to speak with people from all over the world about their life experiences. But this time around, I had the unique opportunity to learn from someone much closer to home who views the world a bit differently than I do.

Realistically, there’s not much hope in getting some random person in the comments under a social media post to engage in any meaningful dialogue. The chances of you learning about the life experiences, generational beliefs and social influences that fueled the passion behind that person’s statement are slim. And the chances of you altering their deeply rooted perspective by taking the time to share your own are even more slim.

Speaking to someone face-to-face may not change their views, but it sure does add a layer of humanity to the encounter. And it’s even more meaningful if you get to do such a thing (peacefully) with someone you love.

I did not want the purpose of the following post to get lost in the diplorable events that unfolded on January 6, 2021. So, I took it down. But, the integritiy of this blog matters a lot to me. Despite the outrageous acts of a few, the message still stands: A little communication goes a long way, and it’s time we each pull up a chair and start listening.

I dedicate this post to Amanda Gorman, for it was in you that I saw myself on that inauguration stage. ♡

*Formerly “Dear U.S.A., We Need to Talk.”*

I’ve sort of been on a blogging hiatus as of late. Well…I have been busy writing, it just hasn’t been posted here. I’ve experienced some major shifts in my personal life recently and have had to lend my writing efforts to other avenues these past few months. And, while I have full intent to share my personal struggles (and triumphs) in the hopes that it one day inspires someone out there, it is important right now that I take a break from my personal affairs to address this historic election.

Let’s address the obese turtle, I mean elephant, in the room. Politically speaking, of course.

I naively thought that the outcome of the 2016 election would have taught everyone the importance of not allowing the principles behind the bystander effect to become our country’s continued way of dealing with politics. The belief that the votes of others will inevitably spare us of our own duty to vote should have long been dismantled.

But alas, here we are.

While the results of this election have seemingly managed to finally debunk for many the myth that individual votes “don’t matter”, one thing has become exceptionally clear:

We, the people, have irretractable evidence to support that these here are the Divided States of America.

Like most things, I think that many of the issues we deeply care about can be resolved through communication. While we obviously cannot each casually converse with our neighborhood politicians, we can converse with one another and eventually allow our respective stances to be heard through the resounding voices of our ballots. And, before we reflexively cast our ballots in favor of what best benefits ourselves, it is my hope that these conversations with one another will raise awareness about the many issues that we’re each privileged in one way or another to not have to think about in our respective daily lives.

Political propaganda has us convinced that being at war with one another is inevitable.

But, that’s false.

After all, We All Want the Same Thing.

Once again, we’ve succumbed to the counterproductive strategy of attacking one another rather than the issues at hand. I think its human nature for each of us to initially view our own opinions as facts. But it’s also important to acknowledge that many political issues are interweaved with one another. One should experience extreme cognitive dissonance in supporting political stances that conveniently serve oneself and simultaneously disparage another. Opposing sides of any issue exist for a reason and we should probably evaluate why that is. If we keep quiet long enough to listen, without rebuttal, we’d likely uncover the mutual understanding we so desperately need to have any hope in achieving liberty and justice for “all”.

Quite frankly, I don’t like talking about politics. But I recognize the importance of exercising my voice in the important conversations that lend me the chance to expand my perspective and that of others. And, as we begin to close out this gamechanger of a year, I urge many of you to do the same. With all that’s happening in the world today, we can no longer afford to remain silent.

There’s so much that exists beyond the four walls of your own reality. Begin the process of breaking down those barriers and let’s start the conversation.

No closed mouth has ever gotten fed. And no consistently open mouth has ever consumed anything of substance. Listen for a change. It’s a give and take; be brave enough to respectfully share your thoughts and humble enough to intently listen to the concerns of others.

Whatever your views, for the sake of our democracy, let’s all agree to try harder to insert a little more (okay, a lot more) empathy into the political arena. There is much work to be done.