Stuck in the middle with… anyone?
I’ve never been one for personal anthems, but these days seem like an awfully fitting time for a resurfacing of Stealer’s Wheel. As their rendition of “Stuck in the Middle with You” would tell it, lately it feels as though I am surrounded by clowns to my left and jokers to my right. I stand here in the middle, a self-perceived island of moderation that increasingly appears to be deserted.
With this analogy, I am of course referring to the many important topics or worthy causes that are essentially eclipsed by radical individuals. These folks can often invalidate the genuine issue in question with their extreme viewpoints and tactics, pushing those who could use education or enlightenment away from any willingness to listen. I have experienced this first hand across a range of topics—and my frustration continues to grow.
Example A: Animal welfare. As an Aggie, vegetarian, and welfare advocate, I receive a lot of flak on both ends of this sensitive issue. On the one hand, there are judgmental vegans moonlighting as apparent life coaches; these folks like to induce pressing guilt upon meat-eaters or dairy consumers whilst failing to use facts, logic, or respect in making their case (I’m looking at you, PETA). On the other hand, there are relentless sneers from meat-lovers or farmers who claim incorrectly that all agricultural animals are loved and treated kindly by their owners.
What people seemingly fail to realize is that, while animals are not likely to be eliminated from the food production system in our lifetime, it is crucial that we acknowledge the sentience and suffering of creatures who are as capable of pain as we are and seek the best ways to ensure their positive welfare while supporting those who provide the food we need to live.
Example B: Freedom of speech and political correctness. Ah, yes. In this realm, we’re surrounded by delusional folks who believe they can say anything and everything, free of all consequence. These people tend to favour the word “butthurt,” and remain misled on the provisions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. No, you won’t be hunted down or arrested (I hope), but do not expect to be met by appreciative nods across the board.
This group is counterbalanced by the ironically “liberal” left; individuals who think all humans have the right to express themselves as they see fit, so long as it conforms to their views.They have failed to grasp the notion that there is a difference between something inherently wrong (religious targeting, anti-Semitic graffiti) and something subjectively offensive (Ellen Degeneres photoshopping herself into a piggy-back ride with Usain Bolt; a Laurier café manager’s ill-advised job advertisement).
While it is true that “perpetrators” can offend whether or not they actually intend to do so, I don’t think it is unrealistic to say that we spend too much time and effort concerning ourselves with the words of others, and too little in taking actions that will truly make the world a better place. It seems we are living in a tug-of-war with words and a minority of us stand dead centre in the mud pit wondering when decency and respect grew obsolete.
Should we let no one or anyone into the country, regardless of the circumstance? Are university administrations doing nothing or everything to assist their students? Do people simply need to work harder to make a living or should we implement a $15 minimum wage immediately? Whether the issue is immigration, economics, or addressing mental health, the conversation is likely to be dominated by polarized emotions rather than substantiated facts and ideas. And though it is nearly impossible to eliminate personal bias from any serious topic, a conscious effort to consider all aspects is an excellent place to start.
Until then, you can find me on my island.
Photo by Behzad No via CC BY-NC-SA 2.0