We Must Talk Publicly About Religion And Politics

And we must have the courage to confront those who agree with us more so than those who don't if they cross the line of respect.

My first memory of "Never discuss politics or religion in polite company" was during dinner, post desegregation in deep south Mississippi during the mid 60's ( prior to our relocation to England in 1968 ). The state was under siege as militancy in both camps increased through the years 1963-68, vetting civil rights activists and hard-line segregationists against one another.

Being only 6 years old from a poor white family who often picked cotton with blacks and interacted with their children, hatred was a foreign concept to me. My parents certainly didn't teach me to despise color. On the contrary, when we finally relocated to England, I was the only girl allowed to babysit for an interracial couple. I'll vouch more white folk accosted me for associating with blacks than blacks for being white - although both certainly happened daily on buses and at school. The road to equality in Mississippi was filled with much bloodshed, including my own in the form of bloody noses and black eyes.

I tasted discrimination for being white, and I'll never forget it enabling me to empathize with discriminated of the skin, not heart. Because I was never asked what I believed. Conversation was out of the question; that's what you were taught. I'm fully aware the physical, emotional, and mental harassment I suffered doesn't compare to the injustice toward black people; however, it scarred me nonetheless. Did the color of my skin symbolize supremacy and hatred despite my personal beliefs to the contrary? Yes.

Who knows what the answer would've been if anyone had asked the other "What do you believe? and "Why?"​ The allies that were lost, or friendships that could've been formed.

I was recently told that I had no idea what it was like to be black. That's true; I don't. I only have experience at being discriminated against for being white. Or, in England for being American. Or, in Mexico for being English because I dressed and sounded like it. Or in North Carolina for being different from the ultra-conservative nature of the community.

While the atmosphere altered from politics to religion, it was all the same to me. I was told more than once I didn't belong in the town my father retired in. They were right; I didn't belong in an atmosphere filled with hate and bigotry. I never will. Where do I belong? Everywhere I make a difference communicating openly and respectfully about politics and religion. Respectfully being the key word.

Some say the old adage of not discussing politics or religion publicly was shattered by Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson and their 700 “moral majority” club, an American political organization founded in 1979. Associated with the Christian right and Republican Party from a political crusade against abortion and homosexual marriage, this "moral majority" infiltrated the political spectrum via their pulpits. Others claim it started after the 1992 riots.

Regardless, it began at the point when we questioned our beliefs, religions and ideals. They weren't resonating as truth within us. There had to be a better way than division, and there most certainly is: respectful communication. If you want to call someone out, call out the participant in a debate who labels another debater derogatorily, or tells them they don't belong, especially if they agree with your political or religious beliefs. You must have the courage to stand up to them despite the fear of alienation - this is the only preservation of purity you have - the only way it will survive is to admit the wrong. Not compare it to something those who disagree with you did first - or second, or last. But, to admit right then and there when your allies are unjust.

We must talk publicly about religion and politics. We must ask, "What do you believe? " and "Why?" We must have the courage to confront those who agree with us more so than those who don't if they cross the line of respect. Most importantly, we must listen respectfully and communicate openly with those who believe differently if the army of middle-ground is to grow and advance.

You can't live love if you walk the opposite of it.