Ideal..ism

I HATE when people think idealism and optimism is synonymous with naivety. It's WAY harder to stay idealistic and optimistic in our society. I have to admit my optimism has been sliding a bit.. but I'm trying to get back to my optimistic self.

The reason I'm bringing this up, is because right now I'm trying so hard to remember that there are still good people out there. I got into a debate with my friend about homosexuality. It wasn't the first time with him, and it definitely was not my first time getting into an argument about this issue. Some people say that everyone can have their own opinion about homosexuality.. but haven't we come further than that? I know we have free speech and all but there are things that people can't say anymore. Look what happened with the man who said the holocaust didn't exist? Racist comments are not acceptable anymore.. (although of course I know there are still racist people out there) we're not allowed to discriminate based on sex, age, race or SEXUAL ORIENTATION. I know that gender identity isn't in the charter yet... but hopefully it will be soon. Discrimination against homosexuals is also against the human rights act. Another popular argument is: well there are lots of people that think that way so you can't really do anything about it. You know what the problem with that argument is? It doesn't matter how many people think something, it still doesn't make it right! Plus isn't that how genocide starts? Like with Hitler... well enough people think it, and I can't stop it, so why say anything? Or in fact, why not join?!

I'm TIRED of not rocking the boat more. I'm TIRED of not standing up for what I believe because it might step on people's toes or make them uncomfortable. I'm so afraid of flaring other people's tempers or having them mad at me that I ignore how I feel about things. I'm going to work really hard to change this.

I can't hate people who have opinions that are different than mine. And it's not about being mad at people for having differing opinions, it's about them having opinions that devalue other people. It's about them having opinions that takes away the rights of others. I'm against the devaluing of humans and it's discouraging to know how many people aren't.. ESPECIALLY in light of the recent suicides because of gay bullying. I wish the whole world could see people how I do... we're all people. Gender or sexual orientation doesn't matter.. of course I know I'm idealistic, but maybe that will be my strongest asset in helping me standing up for what I believe in.