28th April - What's your identity?

We've all got one, after all... An identity is what makes us who we are. But I'm not talking about physical attributes, or if you're caucasian/hispanic/male/female/your age range, your sexual orientation etc. I'm referring to who you are, morally. Politically. Ethically. We all have different views in these areas, and we're all entitled to such views and opinions, too. That's what makes our world such a unique and diverse place. But the only offensive viewpoint to take, is that of indifference. So in 

You see, indifference signals a lack of education, a lack of willing, and a lack of effort, to care, and to learn, about the biggest issues in our society. After the massive Brexit error in 2016, I spoke to a number of voters (friends included), with a handful admitting they'd voted in favour of leaving the EU but when asked why, had no reasons to do so. Other than the fact someone they know did it, or they just turned up on the day and decided which box looked more appealing to them. But they had no prior knowledge or understanding into what they were actually voting for. These are, by far, the most dangerous people in our World. Because if you hold that much power, but your power is based on zero reasoning, then what separates you from 'lunatic' status, in the same way a crazed murdered wields a knife into a civilian's lower spine in cold blood?

I'll put it out there, I was firmly against the Brexit vote. My reasons, were that based on the information and research I'd gathered. I saw that the 'Leave' campaign was headed up by Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage, two figures with an already murky history throughout their political careers, notorious liars who had been caught out time and time again. So I knew that (their now falsified) pledge to invest £350m per week into the NHS as the result of a 'Leave' success would prove a porky. I could also foresee the detrimental economic nature such a switch would have on the country. Without trade partnerships with fellow EU nations, the importation of various foods, liquids, and even materials and oil, have skyrocketed, as we warned they would. This isn't to say that my vote was 'right' and yours was 'wrong', but if you're going to vote (either way), you simply MUST have an identity and reasoning to do so. 

For example, at the time, I endured a friendship with a former University chum who was/is a staunch-Tory. Sweater draped over the shoulders, beige chinos, a spot of 'rugger', and a Landrover through the Cotswolds, you know the sort. "All unemployed people are lazy,", he would bark. "The working class don't deserve a thing." etc etc. Would I agree with such radicalism towards the right-wing? Absolutely not. But I sure as hell respected him a whole lot more for saying "Yeah, I voted for Brexit because I want to get all the foreigners out of the country", than I did his girlfriend at the time who remarked, "I didn't understand any of it, so I just voted the same as he did". 

Your identity is much more than your political swing. It's how you feel when someone is intolerant to a disabled person. It's how you feel about witnessing racism, or sexism. It's about whether or not you agree with the death sentence as a penalty for certain crimes, or your moral stance on things such as shoplifting, movie piracy, lying (in general), or being unfaithful to a partner. Some will believe that small 'white' lapses against such rules are reasonable, others will verge into 'grey' territories, and then we have a minority who will delve into the 'black' and commit rapes, murders, terror, and other heinous acts. Sit down today, and ask yourself...

... What's your identity?