I wouldn’t think that in 2018 that these phrases – which are things that I believe in – would garnish so much outrage. That they have created the most arguments and heated debates from people who disagreed with them has painted a sad picture of the political climate in the United States. We are allowed to disagree, but shouldn’t we choose to be outraged when things are truly outrageous?
When it comes to these 10 phrases, you might agree with me, you might not; but if they offend you, I am not sorry.
Black Lives Matter
Some will ask, “but don’t ALL lives matter?” Others will say it’s counterproductive to make such a statement. If you’re offended by this phrase, then we need to have a discussion about why so many felt the need to start this movement in the first place.
Climate Change is Real
It’s almost as if understanding the fact that 100% of climate scientists are saying that climate change is happening right now automatically makes you a far left socialist. Speaking of socialism…
Universal Education and/or Healthcare is a Human Right
For some, this literally translates into: “I want the government to take more of our money!” But for those who are offended by this don’t realize is that the U.S. is one of the richest nations in the world. If Congress can find a way to spend 700 billion dollars on a defense budget, then we can afford education and healthcare for all.
The U.S. Needs More Gun Control
To even suggest such a bold, abrasive statement will attract gun rights advocates and unpaid spokespeople for the NRA to bombard you in the comments sections. Lovers of the 2nd amendment need to remember that if they want to defend that part of the constitution; then they need to defend the 1st amendment as well.
Donald Trump Has Emboldened White Supremacists
This one has been the largest example of whataboutery I’ve seen all year. Any time I bring up Trump and his relationship to racists I will hear a never-ending story of the “alt-left” (something that doesn’t exist) and the liberals who want to ‘destroy this country’. Advocating for universal healthcare is not the same as advocating for ethnic cleansing.
The Child Separation Policy is Inhumane
Of course, it’s inhumane to nearly everyone, but it only offensive if you blame the administration that is actually enforcing the policy. If you start blaming the administration to someone who disagrees with you, then it’s the parents of the child’s fault, or the Democrats, but certainly not the president who started his campaign by dehumanizing Mexican immigrants.
Bashar al-Assad is a War Criminal
Go into any group that is critical of U.S. intervention and say this little tidbit of information, and get ready to be met with resistance, and not the good kind. You’ll be treated as a warmongering neocon by even suggesting al-Assad has done horrible things to the Syrian people.
Migrants Are People Too
Does everything have to be about politics? Apparently if you want to humanize the other and get rid of negative stigmas regarding migrants, you have to leave the politics out of it. Some don’t realize that politics is daily life for so many.
Trumps anti-Transgender Policies Are Discriminatory
If you say this in the wrong circles, get ready to be told that no one is being discriminated against. If you’re patient, you’ll also hear transphobic rhetoric like outrage over who gets to use a public restroom and anger over preferred pronouns!
Toxic-masculinity
It seems that this phrase is so often misappropriated by the ones who are most offended by it. No one is saying all masculinity is toxic, but it seems that whoever takes offense to this phrase sees it as an attack on every person who identifies as a man. It’s not. But if one is offended by it, maybe they should take a look at how they define “masculine” behavior.
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