After the election, I thought the barrage of hate from conservatives and Republicans would die down. It did not. I would argue that it increased to defend their choice in the president. As a moderate independent who happens to be a feminist, I just blocked them from appearing in my newsfeed.
On more than one occasion, my social media shares regarding my dislike of DeVos, support of health care, or anything that wasn't my kids have invited comments of opposition. For the most part, I would take it with a grain of salt. Other times, I've engaged in the debate. I've never blocked and/or un-friended anyone I did not agree with or share the same point of view.
And, then I was blocked by someone I know on Facebook.
I had initially engaged them privately expressing my disappointment that what they share gave the perception that they were not the person I believed them to be in real life.
When they shared something that was just one more example of what I was attempting to express, I said so.
And, I got blocked.
Blocked and unfriended.
All I got from this experience was that if I did not agree with what they had to say, I should just shut-up and be okay with it.
I don't understand the extreme views that are constantly in need of defending. Why do we have to be at odds over how to me a good human being? What happened to treat each other as we would want to be treated? Or, if you have nothing nice to say, don't say it.
In my sadness or search for something better, I discovered Common Ground and I reserved our seats.
On July 30, the kids and sat down for lunch on Public Square with a large group of strangers in the hopes of strengthening our community.
The tables were lined up and down Euclid Ave in the middle of Public Square. I sat with a doctor from University Circle, an unemployed woman from the east side, and a retired gentleman from Ohio City. Our conversation was centered around healthcare with a sprinkling of education and favorite Northeast Ohio places.
While we did not come with a plan to make our city better, I think we had an opportunity to meet people we would not have under normal circumstances.
While chatting, my kids ran off to play in the splash pad. They made friends easily with other kids looking to cool off and cure their boredom. It was a perfect day to share with new friends.
It's easy for me to forget the world outside my bubble is not what I would imagine it to be. I love that my community is somewhat diverse compared to other areas. I'm active in my church, I volunteer in the community, and in the PTA. I like to think that we live in a happy shiny world even though I know that we don't.
