On #NotAllMen and similar repsonses
Here's the dealeeo - You don't need to inject yourself into every conversation.
I get it. I do. You feel like YOU are being attacked. But if you feel the driving need to defend yourself from something you KNOW doesn't relate to you, if you feel defensive... chances are, yes, you are part of the problem. Broad generalization are going to be made. Some will, one the whole, be accurate. Some will not. But, hey, if you are a white guy, just let it go. If you know you are living well and treating your fellow humans well, than they aren't talking about you. That part of you that feels the NEED to defend yourself? That is the part of you that is NOT doing so great.
Sometimes you need to speak up, sure. But really, straight white men have PLENTY of voices defending us. We have for a few quite awhile. Most of history we have been well represented. Most books and academics and politicians and journalists and, well, art, represents straight white men. We don't need a lot more voices out there.
Just try listening and not talking. Read the the point of views of others. Try to understand them. Some you will hate and disagree - but you don't need to comment on them. You are adding nothing new to the conversation. Just listen.
Really really listen. Try to see through their eyes. It's hard to do and you won't be very good at it. But you may get a bit more empathy from it. Don't worry about correcting them or making them see your point of view. It's okay to just sit quietly and LISTEN.
Okay. Minirant over. Cis white male out.
