How To: Deal With Ignorance

Today I encountered a very huge dose of ignorance and I have no choice but to share my experience with all of you. As you know, I go to the University of Washington located in Seattle. Seattle is well known for its acceptance of the weird, the odd, the strange, or in my words -- regular damn people with open minds. Unfortunately, just because you live in such an accepting environment doesn't mean that ignorance does not exist. Today I was eating lunch in the HUB (Husky Union Building) and I sat next to a very disturbed man who was attempting to persuade this woman into joining Christianity -- or what he thought it was about. Let the record show that I am not a confrontational person, but I will always stand up for what I believe in. Anyway, this man rambled for about half an hour about how women are corrupt, minorities are meant to be slaves, homosexuality is for demons, and men are the rightful heirs to the promised land. As a person from a strong Christian background I could not stand to listen to such insanity. I turned to my left and asked if I could interject into the conversation...clearly he agreed believing I could be bullied by his tone -- WRONG. As he continued to spit out complete ignorance left and right I politely asked him if I could speak. I began by asking him if he truly believed everything he was saying -- he did. Moving forward I began to tell him and the woman about how I see Christianity and the other respective topics he so gracefully destroyed. 

"As a strong lover of women, a minority who is NOT meant for slavery or ever will be, a supporter of equal rights, and just an all-around culturally aware person I am offended by your comments. Yes, Eve committed the first sin, but isn't Mary the woman that bore the Son of God cleaning the slate for all women to come? Don't you respect your mother for carrying you for nine months and taking care of you? Yes, minorities were enslaved at one time. But if we were still meant to endure such indecencies, why is our president African-American, voted in by not only minorities, but Caucasians as well? Yes, homosexuality is different to what you may be used to, but as a Christian you are called to love everyone -- preaching hate makes your cause misguided. And beyond that, who are we to impose our morals on someone else? Love is something that should never have to be explained. I'm not here to tell you that you're a terrible person, just misguided. I'll pray for you and I hope you have a great day." 

Ignorance is something that we deal everyday, but it is up to us, the educated and culturally aware, to make our voices heard as well. While others promote hate, we should be countering with love and information. In moments like these I find myself testing my patience, my faith, my love, and my character. I could have handled this in so many different ways, but I chose a route that I feel was mature and helpful. This was confirmed by the woman hugging me and saying, "That was well handled and you have a beautiful soul. Thanks for making my day."