In the wake of everything, I thought about how some things we can discuss and be civil and other things bring out the depravity and lack of regard for our fellow man. Bears fans may not like Packers or Vikings, but it is rare there is visceral hate. I’m a White Sox fan. I think Cub fans are suckers and prone to hopelessness, but I’ll still hang out with the poor souls – if only for a good joke. However, if my White Sox don’t fare better than the Cubbies and by some miracle the Cubs make it to a World Series, I’d shout for them. Why? Because it’s Chicago represented. However, I’m not a Chicagoan that will lie and pretend like all is well in my city. I’m Chicago – born and raised. Machine politics, corruption, horrible public schools, segregrated communities, killer wind chills, high taxes, MJ, deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dog – yup that’s us. I acknowledge the good, bad and ugly about my city. For those who knock it too much, careful there are some good sides so be fair to my hometown.
I don’t have to like or love everything that comes from friends that espouse GOP politics, but I’m not out to get them. Why? When all is said and done, we’re Americans. There was one colleague, a loyal Republican. We loved to debate each other. However, after talking about the strengths, weaknesses, and crazies of each political party, we moved on to which Will Ferrell movie is the best. When I started this blog, I thought it would be good to have him weigh in. I recently caught up to him and his reply below.
Ronda! It’s been way too long!
The feeling is mutual and I miss those open and (to say the least) frank discussions we used to have – and I especially miss the “shellackings” I used to hand out to all of you Dems (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist). Looking back, I can only laugh at how we basically threw every “typical” HR rule right out the window with our daily discussions on politics and religion (and don’t forget about race – because, you know, we must have thought that debates based on mere religion & politics didn’t have the potential to become volatile enough without adding that third rail!).
It’s never much fun discussing politics with those who already agree with you and besides, someone once said something along the lines that if two people agree 100% on everything odds are that only one of them is doing any thinking. It’s too bad that more people can’t get together and talk those things over like adults like we did, without getting personal or questioning the other persons’ motives.
Talking politics should not be divisive. I can agree to disagree with you. Just like I agree that Cub fans are pre-disposed to a victim complex – they blame loss on everybody but themselves (a goat, a nun, Matthew, sun, rain). It’s cool. Happier when the Sox crush them in the cross town classic, but not willing to stoop to crazy over Cubs vs. Sox. Good men wear black and if you get a faint hint of bias – yes! I will acknowledge my partiality. Please feel free to post comments. I noticed there is a contingent of viewers from Europe. Happy that you take the time to read my blog.
Ronda is an attorney, writer, and entrepreneur. She is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in Los Angeles and New York. She loves to travel and is passionate about education equity, especially for first generation college students.