I also think that just because I have an opinion on something, doesn't mean I have to say it.
My silence would indicate to someone like Dark Side that I am a cow, not taking a side.
Feel the Love
by FlyingHighNow 91 Replies latest jw friends
-
-
FlyingHighNow
According to Geddy Lee, even if we don't make a choice, we still have made a choice. So we're covered.
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice." Feel the love?
-
lisaBObeesa
Googling 'black and white thinking' can be very informative.
-
tec
I'm still feeling the love, Flying High.
I don't think Dark Side is getting angry, discussing things with me or anyone else. I hope not at least. I'm not angry in the least, just discussing, as he seems wont to do.
Tammy
-
tec
However, I do apologize for derailing this lovely thread.
-
Dark Side
If I think both sides are wrong, I won't choose to take a stand for one of them just for the hell of it - or because I think one of them is the 'lesser of two evils'. I'll say that I think both sides are wrong, or I'll say what I think is wrong about each side, and what I think is right. That's not laying down or hiding in a corner.
Absolutely right.
Granted, if I'm not doing anything about what I think is right, then perhaps that is laying down.
Yup
But the best way I can think to show what I think is right is by living that way.
So say the cowards. Do you honestly think that living your life, one way or the other, is going to change anyone or anything? That your life, lived in silence, is going to impact the world? Are you going to leave the good fight for others?
IMO, black and white thought/speech/actions is arrogant and blind and will keep this world in a constant state of war and unrest.
Yep. As long as we let it and as long as we are afraid to discuss it honestly and as long as people are afraid to take a stand
No one is right all the time about all things.
Correct. However, there are those who desire to keep you complacent and quiet. So, lay down and roll over, or straighten your back and speak your mind. It's everyone's choice
-
Dark Side
I also think that just because I have an opinion on something, doesn't mean I have to say it.
My silence would indicate to someone like Dark Side that I am a cow, not taking a side.
Your silence indicates complacency
-
tec
Do you honestly think that living your life, one way or the other, is going to change anyone or anything?
People very rarely change other people. However, living my life with kindness and honesty may influence another person's thinking. Even a small thing might do that, as I have been influenced by small actions (punk teenagers cleaning up their language around my younger son at the park/ another one seeing me - a stranger- struggling to get a desk up the stairs of my townhouse, and stopping his car to get out and help me)
I agree that living in silence isn't going to change the world. But these small things aren't living in silence. These small things are showing that small acts of kindness go a long way to changing the stereotypical views we have of people, and influence us to do the same.
Which kind of makes them big things, imho.
May I ask what you suggest we do? To fight the 'good fight'? (sincere question)
Tammy
-
Dark Side
I don't think Dark Side is getting angry, discussing things with me or anyone else. I hope not at least. I'm not angry in the least, just discussing, as he seems wont to do.
Yup. Discourse is hard. Name calling..."angry, stupid, racist"...is the simple way out for the simple-minded.
I'm none of those. But I'm sure that won't stop the name-calling
-
lisaBObeesa
There are only two black and white choices mentioned here: 'speak out blunty' or 'be a silent cow.'
Certainly there is a huge spectrum of other options that a person may choose from.
For example, a person may choose to stay silent on some matters and speak out on others. A person may speak out, but do so in a very indirect way. A person may be silent but work against things he doesn't agree with through other means than speaking.
The options are really endless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imb4tYOk8GE
(how do you embed an youtube here??)