George Ford

2/22/2014
SOC 314
Memo
I was really amazed (offended, disgusted, appalled, etc.) at some of the emails you showed us
last class, and it really got me thinking about times when you have spoken to the class (and me
personally) about bravery. While certainly not to the same extent as you, I have certainly experienced
this kind of reactionary-conservative backlash for expressing my concerns on social issues such as
climate change. While my extended family has much more decency than whoever has been sending
you hate-mail, they are very conservative and have continually mocked and ridiculed me for my
concern over economic inequality, police violence, climate change, etc. The knowledge that I will have
to put up with this harassment at each and every family meeting lingers rather often over my thoughts,
and is actually really difficult to cope with. Despite this (perhaps in spite of this) my desire/willingness
to voice my thoughts on social issues has only increased. I realize that people with radical ideas have
always faced backlash and it is their willingness to move past it which has enabled them to make
change in the world. Those who first suggested ending the heinous system of american slavery, and
later segregation, were certainly attacked but this didn't stop them.
When met with backlash, and sometimes hate, it can be easy to question your beliefs and
values. It can be easy to recede and avoid engagement with adversity all together, however that is
exactly what people sending hate want. To actually change opinions and make people realize
seriousness of current issues it is often necessary to meet hate with love. It is necessary for us to accept
that people disagree, but rather than give up on our ideals or respond with more hate, we must show
patience at these times and continually display the evidence until those speaking hate have no choice
but to listen.