PoliGrrl

While it is pretty well known to my family and immediate friends, I don’t usually talk about it to my co-workers or new acquaintances. I’m not sure if I was born this way or if it developed over time though the passion definitely increased over time and my exposure to others of the same bent. Hearing how others talk about it, the demeaning language, the sneering, the derision, causes me to be very guarded. There have even been stories in the news lately about people being beaten up because of it.

Sure, going to parties where everyone else is of the same orientation makes it easier to let my guard down for awhile but, I still am uneasy in case I say the wrong thing in front of the wrong person and it comes back to haunt me. It is a worry when applying for a new job because unlike race and creed, this isn’t protected.

Online is a lot easier because it is more anonymous than the real world. Hiding behind a screen name allows for a freer interaction, but even then it has to be in the right chat room, Twitter feed or Facebook environment because I’ve been slammed, called names, and had my beliefs attacked viciously when I’ve opened up to people.

Coming out of the conservative closet is akin to coming out of the closet as gay or lesbian. Now, before anyone gets all bent out of shape because of the analogy please take a chill pill. I have greater respect and understanding of those who have any type of “secret” that affects their outlook on the world and how the world looks at them.

Thankfully, there have been Tax Cut Rallies here in Minnesota, thank you Jason Lewis, Tea Parties nationwide, marches on Washington, etc. that are allowing conservatives to fell more open about their beliefs. Also, Fox News and their many hosts, talk radio hosts such as Rush Limbaugh, politicians such as Rep. Michele Bachmann and the multitude of bloggers are reducing the stigma of being conservative. However, some of the more well known are targeted to the point of needing private security due to death threats against them and their family so we still walk a fine line.

Some of us live in Liberal Lands such as Minnesota “Land of 10,000 Taxes” or New York where the rich are an endangered species – where’s the Sierra Club for them? – or even Hollywood and the “Left Coast.” Some of us work in professions which are well known for being pools of liberalism such as the media, education or government. If you do, you know what it is like to tuck in like a boxer ready for a fight as you walk in the door to work every day.

For those conservatives who are apprehensive, it is very understandable. However, by getting to the rallies, Tea Parties, getting involved in your local politics, using social media such as Twitter, etc. you will find greater strength and resolve. Being with other conservatives is a great time – you’ll meet a lot of fun, intelligent, respectful people and you can relax for awhile. Remember, you are not alone. Someday we can *all* step out of the conservative closet and be proud of being conservative and not fear the repercussions from our political beliefs. Until then, let’s wear our conservatism as a badge of honor as best we can.

Popularity: 42% [?]

Category: Conservative politics by admin