Feels hopeless.....

[JustaLocal]

Then, you are a very fortunate person. I hope you never do.

And, it's easy to accept that you don't understand if you have not had the experience...and therein lies the issue.

Then, you are a very fortunate person. I hope you never do.

And, it's easy to accept that you don't understand if you have not had the experience...and therein lies the issue.

The issue is I don't understand what about you traveling abroad would cause your family and friends to say hurtful things? It is fortunate for me that my family and friends are broad-minded and not bigoted or prejudiced.

I didn't travel out of the country until I was 30. Since then I have become an addict. Now I go at least once a year. I've been to many different countries and several, multiple times.

My family and friends generally haven't traveled as much as I have. I usually just give the highlights or particularly interesting events (and souvenirs). It seems now again things will come up from one trip or another.

 

[tofu]

That may have come across as more divisive than I wanted it too. Sorry about that. In doing so I fall into the same trap I’m complaining about.

This just hits on what I consider to be the real problem with our country today - It’s not a conservative or liberal thing, it’s the fact that the two sides don’t want to be around each other, don’t want to listen to each other, and don’t want to work together to solve problems. It’s so frustrating to me.

I’m reminded of how things were right after 9/11, or how things are down here right after a storm. I remember pulling up to a street light that was out after Ivan with a bunch of other cars all pulling up at the same time. We were all so committed to letting the others through first, we all sat there for five minutes waving at each other. I just wish we could grab hold of that mentality and apply it to our common problems. A tax cut here, a tax raise there, a spending increase here, a spending cut there. Instead it’s all or nothing and nothing gets solved.

I can't speak for Chickpea but I think what (s)he was referring to is the ignorance, close-mindedness, fear of change, etc. that often goes along with the conservative mindset here, and the way that liberals are treated like aliens. And not that Conservatives are bad... but the far-right, extremism, etc that is prevalent here is.

I think it was more about the way people who think differently are treated here. God forbid if you are a democrat, or gay, or atheist... many people here are judgmental and condemning. And again that doesn't apply to everyone... but the view is prevalent.

 

[Carol G]

Chickpea, I get it. And even after visiting and/or living in this area for 21 years, I still can't put my finger on what exactly is the difference, why I continually feel like such an outsider here. It's not necessarily just political or religious; I've loved and been loved by many people all around the country with radically different political and/or religious views than mine, including everyone in my immediate family.

I think those that have brought up traveling may be on to part of it, although many of the people that I know here are well-traveled. I've always quipped that everything that happens here is at least 10 years behind the rest of the country... which I always found to be frustrating. But recently I've come to understand that the people who love it here, who consider it paradise and are drawn to live here... that is one of the things they absolutely love about it.

There are some of us who are naturally progressive, always looking forward, wanting to be on top of the world and culture and new thought and all that is happening... and then there are others who like a slower pace, who aren't all that concerned with the zeitgeist and what's new, but prefer the comfort of the old and familiar, and focusing on their immediate surroundings rather than the broader picture. These two dichotomies can loosely be painted as liberal and conservative, but not necessarily in the political sense.

The internet definitely has changed things for those of us "liberals" who, for whatever reason, choose to stay here, even though that nagging feeling of alienation never really goes away. And that is not to say there aren't things about living here that I've grown to love; first and foremost the friends I've made... I have been lucky enough to befriend some of the most wonderful, talented, intelligent, caring, cultured, funny, and wise people that I've ever known while living here.

But I still have to constantly remind myself to focus on the positive, on the things that I do love about this place, rather than let myself get mired in the negative. It's definitely not easy, and I when I'm down I spend lots of time fantasizing about moving to places like Seattle and Boulder and Austin where I just know I'd fit in better. But then I get to thinking about all the goodbyes I'd have to say, and how I'd have to start all over again, and then I start to think that the old & familiar might not be so bad after all... ;-)

That's my long-winded way of saying "you're not alone."

 

[Andy A]

So, yes, travel is the best--but, it does set one apart. I am a firm believer in some sort of national service. If everyone either joined the military, the peace corps, worked for U. S. AID, or did a student exchange program...think what a difference it would make in the world. I am optimistic, though, with the global community we are becoming via the Internet. Someday....[/quote]
On this point we certainly agree. Some kind of national service, perferably out of country, would be a great experience and eye opening to other lifestyles prevailing throughout the world. It was one good thing about compulsory military service. I don't care who you were, you came back with your own personal perspective of other parts of the world and how, although maybe different than ours, were acceptable and comfortable for those who lived there.

 

[30ashopper]

I can't speak for Chickpea but I think what she was referring to is the ignorance, close-mindedness, fear of change, etc. that often goes along with the conservative mindset here, and the way that liberals are treated like aliens. And not that Conservatives are bad... but the far-right, extremism, etc that is prevalent here is.

I think it was more about the way people who think differently are treated here. God forbid if you are a democrat, or gay, or atheist... many people here are judgmental and condemning. And again that doesn't apply to everyone... but the view is prevalent.

Just to even the playing field a bit - that's the same way conservatives are treated in California.

 

[30ashopper]

There are some of us who are naturally progressive, always looking forward, wanting to be on top of the world and culture and new thought and all that is happening... and then there are others who like a slower pace, who aren't all that concerned with the zeitgeist and what's new, but prefer the comfort of the old and familiar, and focusing on their immediate surroundings rather than the broader picture. These two dichotomies can loosely be painted as liberal and conservative, but not necessarily in the political sense.

Very well put!

In defense of SoWall and Destin, I've lived a lot of different places, and I have never found a place where the people are nicer and friendly and fun and upbeat about life than I have here. This is why I came here to stay just a little while, and ended up deciding to stay forever. I love it here.

 

[tofu]

Just to even the playing field a bit - that's the same way conservatives are treated in California.

Again, it's not about one group or another... as you said yourself

I'm sure what you said is true, but this thread is not about California or who's the victim... it's unfortunate that anyone would feel like an outcast because of their political views. Unless of course those views are intolerant or bigoted, or something (standard disclaimer ;-))

You are right, the people here are very friendly. It just might not be the best place to publicly announce your political views!

 

[30ashopper]

Again, it's not about one group or another... as you said yourself

I'm sure what you said is true, but this thread is not about California or who's the victim... it's unfortunate that anyone would feel like an outcast because of their political views. Unless of course those views are intolerant or bigoted, or something (standard disclaimer ;-))

You are right, the people here are very friendly. It just might not be the best place to publicly announce your political views!

I agree with you on that somewhat. I'm reminded of an altercation I had when discussing religion with a conservative friend at a bar. (I'm a former catholic who leans toward non-believer status) Some guy across the bar really got bent out of shape over my views so I left to prevent anything from happening. Occurances like that, at least for me, have been rare. I've certainly had some heated discussions over subjects like that, but I enjoy those and don't really see any negative in it.

 

[Sandy Pants]

It is easy to become complacent when you are surrounded by people who think the same way you do, but the real personal and social challenge is changing the place where you live. This place is t is light years behind the place I moved here from, (yes that is an opinion) but I am here and it is for a reason?. Now go out and do the hard work it takes to make this world a better place.

 

[30ashopper]

One other funny observation - folks here know their subjects, and they know how to debate them. If you have opposing views, you will need to be a good debater who can back up your arguments. If not, I can see how one might feel isolated and beat down. Folks here are very opinionated, but I think if you can back up your beliefs with solid arguments, they will respect your views. At least that's been my experience. Myself I love debate, so maybe that's why I like it here so much. There's nothing like a good heated debate over beers to get the blood flowing!