I know how the majority of our Liberal America readers feel about religion. I really do. And I know WHY?our readers — and indeed, most people on the left — feel as they do. Although I’m a Christian, I avoid proselytizing. I think it’s?largely?ineffective, at least the way the majority of evangelicals do it. Christians have done a fabulous job of “spreading the good news” and in doing so have alienated as many people as they’re attracted — or more. I personally genuinely feel that they best thing for me to do, as a Christian, is just say that I am a Christian and let my life and my acceptance of others speak for itself. Hopefully I’m proof that not all Christians are completely oblivious.
Having said all of that, I have a message that I want Liberal America to see. It’s about religion, but it’s about so much more. It’s about the state of our young people and families in America. The young man in this video is someone my daughter knows. His story is heartbreaking and compelling. His story is real.
His story answers a lot of questions ?– most of them for people on the right.
From the left: “OMG why do people turn to religion???” (this may help explain it…sometimes it’s all people have…we need to respect that)
From the right: “OMG why are kids in America such losers???”
From the right: “OMG why do poor kids need our help???”
From the right: “Being from a sucky family is no excuse. Lots of people are and look how they turn out.”
From the right: “OMG everyone has the same advantage – why do we need special accommodations for anyone???”
This video serves a lot of purposes, perhaps most importantly, it should (note I said SHOULD) help people on the right understand why not all people start out with the same advantages. Everyone doesn’t have a stable foundation. Everyone doesn’t have resources and people to go to for guidance. Everyone doesn’t have a safety net.
I want to ask Liberal Americans (I don’t ask stuff very often, do I?) to overlook the message of religion if the central message of this video offends you. The story this young man has to tell isn’t for you. It’s for you to share with your religious and conservative friends. I want to ask you to use this message to share what all Liberal Americans know — that struggling and disadvantaged people?don’t always have a safety net. That someone can look like the most privileged kid in town and still be dealing with horrors that many people never have to confront. That even their own kind can face the challenges that too many teens in America are facing.
Another important message for conservatives: I don’t know what sort of government assistance this young man’s family was receiving, if any. But when “we” drug test food stamp recipients, or cut off food stamps and other government assistance, this is who we’re hurting. Just sayin’.
I also want to ask you to be kind in your comments, if you have a comment. The young man in the video will likely see them and he’s been through enough, eh?
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Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
