I am compelled to respond to the recent letter to The Citizen editors titled “The ungrateful left is whining again.”
The title of the letter itself demeans a person’s constitutional right of voicing their opinion, by brushing it off as “whining.”
That a person with leftist views is somehow beneath a mature adult, likening them to a toddler having a tantrum. This article was devoid of any acknowledgement that the issues the “left” is speaking out against has value.
Which begs the questions, if the protests were in line with one’s political views, would they still be deemed “whining”? If the method of protests is offensive, what is an acceptable forum? The president advised Megan Rapinoe to “win first,” which she did; is she now permitted her constitutional rights?
I would like to answer the author’s question with my own opinions on “why does the left feel it must complain, protest, critique, and whine at every chance they get?”
First of all, protests happen, on both sides of the political spectrum quite frequently. It’s a part of what makes us a democracy; every citizen has the right to voice dissent as well as support.
It would be callous to classify all of the “left” as one, but I feel confident that the majority of these protestors are not at all grandstanding. In Rapinoe’s own words, “protesting is uncomfortable.”
I choose to believe that people are exercising their constitutional right to speak freely. They do not want fame; they want their right to protest the injustices they face.
With regards to the broad-based stereotype of “the left”: The stereotypical profile coupled with demeaning tones and implications that they are inherently less than, is at the very core of what drives much of the “left” to speak out.
This seemingly harmless and easily overlooked microaggression is really the heart of the bias that many are venturing to bring to light. The closed reception that is received naturally prompts greater protest.
As for why there seems to be disproportionately more dissension on the “left,” progressive politics generally require more coaxing, inherently demanding that we continue to grow and improve as a nation is difficult.
Generally, the protesting “left” are a group of citizens and their supporters who are experiencing oppression and they are righteously pushing back. Citing the needs of the marginalized populations, that are not being given the same equal opportunities, do need to speak up to be noticed.
These populations whom haven’t been given an equal chance at the American Dream, either through systematic oppression, gender stereotypes, or any other defining quality deemed undesirable need this protesting platform.
Voicing dissent is a precursor to necessary progress. History has shown that speaking out does lead to change in the world. If not for the civil rights activists, would we still live under Jim Crow? If not for women’s suffrage, would any woman have a voting voice?
It seems far-fetched to believe that one person’s comment (off the field) could be deemed offensive enough to ruin a sporting event that aims to celebrate all competing nations. To imply that Megan Rapinoe is using her platform simply to complain about the president, or her pay, is to diminish her entire history of activism that began long before the sudden fame of the World Cup and will likely continue long after.
Whether or not everyone agrees with her message, she deserves the respect to have the message acknowledged, not diminished as some sort of spoiled child.
To imply that Megan’s achievements are “blessings life has bestowed on her” is yet another microaggression passed off in an overly simplistic manner. She didn’t pray to be bestowed a place on the US national soccer team. She worked, clawed, fought, competed, and rose above the rest to achieve her goals.
Using her own blood, sweat, and tears she has climbed her way onto this soapbox. She’s earned the right to use it however she sees fit. I would implore everyone who is a fan, to respectfully listen.
Before reverting to childish criticism at least grant her the decency of admitting that she has earned this moment to be heard, whether you agree with the words or not. What she has to say is important to her.
As a fan, I know that this world class athlete, activist, beautiful woman who happens to be in love with another woman, does in fact demonstrate grace and thanksgiving regularly, even though it has not been meticulously recorded for our frivolous entertainment or criticism.
And I must point out that two thirds of her ticker tape parade speech was thanking all manners of people who helped this team bring home the championship.
On the issue of contentment, I disagree that anyone who feels that they are not treated equally should be content. We are a nation built on justice, with our forefathers’ decree that all men are created equal. When this is not the case, why should the unjustly oppressed remain silent?
I think it’s easy to be content when you are treated equally. But not every American feels they have been/are being treated equally. When people are surrounded by their own equality, then of course the playing field appears to be level.
But consider a man and a woman who share an office and a similar job, the man may assume that everyone in the office is being treated fairly, but the woman who is earning 85 cents to his dollar may not feel the same way.
Instead of dismissing the “left’s” protests as immature whining, invite your fellow Americans to have a mature discussion about the issues not the vehicles. In my opinion, without talk there will never be compromise.
I would like to thank The Citizen and the previous opinion writer for expressing this opinion and allowing me to express a different one. I believe this conversation is good, and to continue discussing our differences can only lead to more understanding on both sides of the aisle.
Danielle Thompson
Fayetteville, Ga.
