With Friends Like These

I'm fairly certain that when one publicly announced they voted for McCain, they risked losing some friends. I think this happened to me, but I can't be sure. After the election one of my Facebook friends mysteriously disappeared, though I don't know who it was, just saw my friend count tick down (oh, I've unfriended a few loonies I never should have friended in the first place, but really, I'm not anywhere near the certifiably crazy side of the coin.) While no one has abandoned me in any obvious way, I've had a sneaking suspicion I've majorly disappointed at least a few people who thought I was pretty cool - solely on the basis of my vote.

How fascinating to have my suspicions gain a bit of scientific validity, when I read about this brave grade-schooler, Catherine Vogt. Catherine, age 14, conducted a simple experiment in which she attended school wearing a t-shirt that read "McCain Girl" one day and "Obama Girl" the next, and recorded the reactions. The results were far from neutral.

In addition to being urged to go "crucifix" herself, Catherine was chided and near-terrorized by her classmates on "McCain Girl" day. She kept a record of the comments, taunts, and accusations, to the chagrin of some teachers who found themselves swept up in the frenzy of intolerance. On Day 2, she wore the "Obama Girl" shirt and was praised for coming to her senses.

This experiment could be tossed aside as a silly game made up by a kid. I'd be inclined to agree, yet the simplicity of the single-variable project meant her evidence-gathering didn't require substantial processing and interpretation. I'm guessing comparing 5 death threats for "McCain Girl" to zero for "Obama Girl" doesn't require an advanced degree.

I was astounded by the automatic and unfounded cruelty she found herself facing. But, I know how she felt. During the election, I was subjected to the same kind of schoolyard bully treatment from grown men and women. It was part of the reason I didn't put a McCain sign in my yard or on my car, I was fearful of what might happen to my relationship with my neighbors or with the riff-raff that seem to be populating the streets lately. I kept quiet for the most part. But when I did speak my mind, there was no mistaking what people thought of me.
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5 Comments:

  1. What I found particularly amusing was that while reading this article, I was bombarded with info on the greatness of the Obama family. Michelle's life & family", "Chicago Celebrates", "Road to the White House". You know, maybe they're right - he's so well spoken you know...
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  2. @Milena
    I am sorry you have experienced such torment for your choice to support John McCain in this election. It is important to recognize that happens on both sides though. I live in Royal Oak and being that I didn't know where my neighbors were politically, I found myself arguing with my fiance' about whether or not we should put her signs in our front yard. (Note: I said her signs, not mine. I have yet to find a candidate that I would wave a flag for.)

    It's just the way it is. There are many individuals who cannot take dissenting opinions. People say they want balance and constructive discourse, but it's all a lie. They just want the perception of balance while their value system wins overall. It's just ignorant - simple and plain.

    I appreciate you putting yourself out there though, but please understand you are far from alone in your convictions. I am sure you know that. I just want to show respect and support. I'd much rather live in a world where people are not afraid of arguing if it means we are finding better solutions to our problems.
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  3. I think the saddest part of this entire election was the inclusion concept - but only when it was convenient. The whole thing was built around a false, fleeting sense of community.

    It makes me think of the night when the Obama Bus thanked me for wasting my vote on Bob Barr - they told me they were grateful I threw my voice away.

    Everyone is in for a big surprise in January. Not because Obama will be the best or be the worst president we have ever had. They will be surprised at the amount of work they will still have to do for tolerance and community.
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  4. This is so incredibly sad. From a side who preaches tolerance comes the worst kind of intolerant behavior. Hypocrisy is alive and well.
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  5. @Pgirl
    We can sit around with our feelings bruised or we can see things for what they are. Whether we're talking Democrats, Republican or evangelical Christians, you're going to find some hypocrisy somewhere. No one group/person is perfect. I know I am not, but the only we can do is try our best.

    The same goes for the President-Elect, there is no way he is going to handle that job without hitting some bumps along the way. As long as he can handle it with some dignity, then I think he will be fine.
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I'm curious to see what you are thinking...

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