Stuck in the Middle

Politics. It's everywhere. Nobody likes it, yet everyone talks about it. Now more than ever it seems. Social media, news channels, billboards, shirts, everything bares the motos and names of politicians, political organizations, and activist groups. With so many voices, it makes it easier to be heard in groups. Of course, in the U.S. the most prominent groups are political parties. Democrats vs Republicans. Liberals vs Conservatives. But where does that leave those in the middle?

My Story

I am a young adult in college, majoring in psychology and music. However, I am also in Army ROTC and will be contracting this year to train to become an officer upon graduation. Those things to not fit together to most, mental health being a main liberal concern and military being a main conservative topic. But I am one of the few hoping to bridge that gap and bring mental health care to those coming back from war.

Beyond school, I have strong beliefs that branch from both extremes of politics. I am pro-choice for I recognize there are many reasons people choose to abort. Whether it is due to health issues or forced impregnation, it should be up to the woman being forced to carry the weight of a new life on their shoulders. Not to mention, there are already so many children waiting to be adopted. On the other hand, I am all for gun rights and completely against an outright ban. People argue that there is a gun ban in Australia that eliminated gun violence. However, these people neglect the fact that the number of stabbings went up. There will be violence and people will find a way to hurt others. It is a part of human nature. Just look at our own cities, like D.C. and Chicago. But above all, I think people have the right to defend themselves and family as they please.

I have found it difficult expressing my own beliefs because no matter what you say, you will have haters. On social media I have expressed my feelings on gun control. Immediately, it was assumed I was conservative and I was called woman hater and homophobic. I'm a bisexual woman. At the same time, I can try defending the lower class and I'm assumed to be "a liberal snowflake."

Caught in the Middle

Moderates are free thinkers who do not follow what a politician says simply because they are the ones who said it. There are free thinkers in the extremist ends of society but many people are afraid to speak their mind and follow the crowd to blend in. In today's society, if you are not part of the mass, you are not heard. All beliefs are grouped into one category or another. With everyone so separated, it is hard to find a mutual agreement or have a mix of beliefs.

In my eyes, moderates are brave in voicing their own opinions. We are the minority in the world of politics. But why do we receive so much hate? Why does everyone receive so much hate?

Perhaps it is due to fear. The people who speak for us are extremists. But don't the people choose who speaks? This is because those with the craziest ideas are the ones heard. When the people want change, they want big change. There will also always be a group who defies that change. With more problems arising, the more change is wanted. Most can agree on the problems — school shootings, for example. The question is, what's the solution? This is where groups are defined. Moderates often look at all options and see a different solution for everything. Some things need more government input whereas other issues need to be ignored by media and the problem will vanish.

I blame the media for many of today's problems. It is great and can give us info, but it can also be misleading and cause greater problems. The news loves a great story. Unfortunately, those tend to be those of tragedy. Focusing on the wrong parts may escalate the problem. Covering the story of "the bad guy" influences copy cats and ignoring "the good guy" takes away the possibility of someone being inspired to help others.

No matter who is to blame, those with different views are forgotten.

Remembering the Exceptions

While I write about "liberals, moderates, and conservatives," it is important to remember that these labels are what separates us. Groups may help us describe differences easier but they are not to be used without thought. Even in groups there are people who think differently or have their own reasons. As hard as it may be, we should attempt to keep criticism from our minds. Many have untold stories behind why each belief they have exists. A person is not defined by their political party. A person is not defined by their opinion of government. A person is defined by their actions and, sometimes regretfully, by their words. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and though you may not agree, it is usually best to hear them out. A civil discussion changes lives, changes minds, and change the world.