BY JASON HENNINGTON
The conflict pitting liberals against conservatives is often blatant, and usually leads to clashes between people over different values and beliefs. I’ve seen it happen between friends as well as people who are not fond of each other.
Sooner or later, what began as a healthy discussion turns into a debate, and possibly escalates to an argument. At that point, name-calling or accusations start to surface.
For example, Taylor’s recent “culture-clashing” spectacle over holding two Christmas parades reached a national stage. Regardless of which side you support, the sometimes acrimonious words of some folks did not look good for Taylor.
The dispute involved having both a traditional parade and — with the city’s official blessing — an inclusive parade. Although that was almost six months ago, the impact still permeates through the community and the debate is still on the national radar.
When the City Council discussed the ordinance related to city co-sponsored events, the culture war resurfaced. After the ordinance was introduced, it was pulled from the next council meeting.
Why? I’ve asked, only to receive several different answers.
Aside from the obvious divide, liberal and conservative, there are other topics that tend to spiral into chaotic conversations: perceived LQBTQ-plus or straight values, racial divides and old Taylor versus new Taylor.
While some people choose to ignore or act oblivious to the philosophical disputes, it usually doesn’t take much to stir the pot.
Being in the media, I have covered these controversial topics and heard from all sides. My values and beliefs do not contribute to my coverage, but I hear plenty of opinions from all corners.
When that happens, I wonder what would happen if the opposing sides cooled the rhetoric, lowered their temperatures and just sat down and talked. Not argue, not listen to respond, but just listen to each other.
Of course, each side will hear something they may not want to hear, but at the same time, they might actually listen to why they are being opposed beyond, “I don’t like what you represent.”
The reality of it all is that these issues will be here for years to come. People who don’t agree with the LGBTQ-plus community’s values will teach their children the same behavior that will spill over to their grandchildren and so on. The same goes for the opposite side.
I’ve said this before, racism is taught. In other words, hatred towards a different ethnicity is picked up at home or from the company one keeps.
The fight between old and new Taylor will never go away. Yes, old Taylor is led by longtime residents of the community, but that doesn’t mean their beliefs will disappear when they die. There are young children who will grow up in Taylor and will want the same community they knew as youngsters. So, old Taylor will not go away, it will evolve.
At the same time, Taylor will soon be home a major semiconductor chip factory bringing thousands of new workers to the area. Because of that, the demographics in Taylor will change. In fact, it’s changing as I write this column.
To be clear, new Taylor will evolve as well. The choice at this point is to try and understand different viewpoints and different cultures. Whether the differences revolve around political affiliations, race relations, lifestyles or anything else, we all have to get along.
I’m going to get off my soapbox now and go get snacks to keep in my room while my daughter, Jasmine, has a sleepover for her 12th birthday. “It bothers me, why can’t we just … get along. We live with these people.”
– Dennis Rodman
