Tolerence of Opinions

Before I start I have to say I have the awesomest mom in the world.  She's more than willing to help me out, listen to me, buy me things I may need and help make my life a little mre awesome.

But, being different people, smetimes our opinions don't match up.  And sometimes it can get a little...  not even sure what word to use... tense, let's go with that!

Anywhoo, last weekend during family dinner we got on the topic of transsexuals.... yes during supper.  I don't like these topics because I feel (well know) that eventually they'll ask or I'll share my views and it'll open up a can of worms.  My mother can be very spirited and sometimes it's really tiring.

So, at one point she made the comment that the world was changing, (after we'd been discussing I forget exactly what, but obviously something about sex changes) and I kind of muttered that it was not necessarily for the better.

Now, lately I've been a bit less observant of what people are meaning when they say things and I kind of meant my comment as the whole world in general, but she thought I meant just about being able to change genders (not that I would've said much different).

But, I did feel like I was then being a bit... confronted on my views.  Like how dare I not feel comfortable with a woman who used to be a man.  It wierds me out!  I feel like people are born a certain gender for a reason and should stick with it.

I think my mom feels, and perhaps worries that I'd be intolerant of those people and that it's my religion causing me to feel this way.

I'd never discriminate against someone who had one of these procedures, but I'd definitely be a bit weirded out by it.  And, I've always felt that way, even before I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints.

But it got me thinking to how the world seems to be lately.  If you have any kind of "traditional" views, or are slightly squeemish around transsexuals or homosexuals, you're automatically branded as a hater and intolerant person.

That kind of thinking really ticks me off.  Especially when I don't get a chance to properly explain why I feel the way I do.  It wouldn't be some deeply religious sermon, absolutely not.  But it is very much my belief that we are born what we are for a reason, we have certain roles to play.  I also very much believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

That does not mean that I hate anyone who is homosexual or brand them as evil or think they're going to burn in the place downstairs!! Freaking heck!!  (Same goes for people who do change their gender).

BUT  I refuse to be okay with it, just because the world thinks I should be.  That's not tolerance, that's just being afraid to stand up for yourself and what you believe.

And yet, so many people are willing to oppose and even hate people who do feel this way?  But THAT'S okay??

And I'm not saying arguments shouldn't happen either.  But be respectful and give people a chance to clearly and calmly explain yourselves.  No one should feel the need to throw up their hands in the air in a passifying gesture and yell just to be heard.

I love my mother I do.  But I do get frustrated because I often feel like because I'm the youngest I don't get taken entirely seriously on matters as these.  Almost a what do I know about the world I've barely experienced it?  Yet experienced it I have.  I've seen plenty of things and met many different kind of people.  And the only people that I harbour bad feelings for are ones who have personally hurt me or someone I love.  OR whom I've not given a proper chance to get to know them.

They could be bright purple with yellow polka dots and have three heads and I'd love them.  So long as they are kind people.

So all I ask is that you give me a little slack as well.  Give everyone some freaking slack so that we can all have some measure of peace yes?