Matt Rooney
mrooney3@uwyo.edu
With all the new bits coming out about marginalization of groups and people I would like to point out something that is very hard for young, college-aged adults to believe: just because someone does not like the things you do or treats you like a huge tool, because you are indeed a huge tool, does not mean you are being discriminated against and that change must be inspired by your situation. In this big world of ours it is important to realize that many people do not and never will like you.
For the record, I can’t imagine waking up in the morning and going out into the world, feeling like I am less than those around me. Sadly, many members of our society do experience that pain. People of a different skin color or sexual orientation face some kind of oppression almost everyday. Truly it is a problem and thankfully there are many people keeping a watchful eye on such injustices and taking to the streets to fight back.
However, those people are actually being discriminated against in ways many people who don’t belong to that group will never understand. Because you are a gun owner and stores won’t let you bring an elephant killer into their restaurant, or a Christian and Starbucks doesn’t slap a bloody Jesus on their cups does not mean you need to protest. You just need to understand that many in the people in the world think you are crazy and are treating you as such.
For instance, some folks have massive trucks that spew exhaust and rev too fast and such. The people driving those mobile coalmines probably think they are badasses, and that everyone thinks they are well endowed. False. The world hates you and as detailed in the “South Park” episode, “The F-Word”, most passerby’s say to themselves as you drive by, “wow…what a f****t.”
The same goes for people who think they are standing for fairness and justice when they “protest” by bringing their rifles into a Chipotle. You aren’t bringing any attention to harsh injustices. Simply, you are giving a face to d-bags everywhere so that sane people can avoid you on the bus.
I know we live in America where we all think you should get to do anything you want and face zero repercussions and that everyone else has to deal with it. Even if you can and people do have to deal with it, just know that the one consequence you can never eliminate is shame. You will be judged and judged harshly.
You choose to do those things that everyone is “discriminating” against you for. Some may say Christianity is not a choice, but unlike Judaism and Islam (which are heavily rooted in certain cultures), it is. You can’t wake up in the morning and stop being black. You can’t wake up in the morning and stop being gay. But you can wake up, discover someone gave Michael Bay an Oscar and determine there is no God, effectively ending your faith.
The world is not meant to be a fair place with bubble gum smiles where money falls from trees, everyone loves everyone and a kitten is always president. If you don’t want people making fun of you for obnoxiously revving your motorcycle, wearing sandals or getting all butt-hurt when people think evolution should be taught in schools, then stop doing those things. Being a complete tool is a curable disease. However, it is not reason to lump yourself with actual marginalized communities. You may think you are the bees-knees, but if you hear snickering as you get out of your truck-nut-laden Ford, just know they are laughing at you and they are doing you a favor. Take the hint.
