I know people have different political beliefs, and people certainly have beliefs that are different from mine. I can often discuss and even understand why some people hold the views they do. These differences can be debated, and I can see both sides. But right and wrong are not open for debate. That’s what is going on in this country right now. Being racist or hateful is not open for debate. Being homophobic and sexist is not open for debate. These views aren't "opinions". You can’t defend those views and then say you aren’t part of them. You can’t be okay with someone being racist and then say you aren’t racist. You can’t be okay with someone being homophobic and then claim you are not homophobic. You can’t defend someone degrading women and then say you are not sexist. Sometimes it’s not just that defending these views is the same as accepting them, but even remaining silent can be the same as accepting them. Silence sends a message too, whether people want to admit it or not. I actually have more respect for people who have these views and openly embrace them than for those who try to hide their feelings or pretend they stand for something else. At least then you know exactly where they stand. One of my favorite quotes is by Malcolm X, “I have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands even if he is wrong than the one who comes up as an angel and is nothing but a devil.”
