The AT Visit

Follow up on our recent visit from the AT.

Intolerance betrays want of faith in one's cause. Mohandas Gandhi

Ever find it difficult to convey emotion in the written word that allows everyone to grasp the intended message, the feelings, along with the subtle and more overt nuances you scattered within? Can you ever be sure that the reader is able to adequately place pauses and emphasis just the way they spilled from your thoughts to your fingers? Maybe a tad difficult.
This may broadly explain why columns on politics and religion can be uplifting to some while nothing short of fighting words for others. Add adoption to that list :)

Perspectives can be intriguing and challenging, especially when buffeted by no small shortage of differing positions, different angles fueling the debate or in some cases, rants.
Adoption World is no different. Adoptee, AP and BP each harbor experiences mingled with expectations that help define their points of view. It should be recognized that rarely, if ever, should the words of one individual be construed as speaking for the group. A slippery slope indeed for those venturing down such a path.

Tolerance and acceptance smacks a wall when the individual or group claims exclusive ownership of justice and principle, elevating their perspectives to the realm of what is Right and Wrong. While convenient, the self-serving stance will generally fail in meeting the minimum threshold of equal rights balanced, dare I say it, for all.
AT's are not bound by circumstance, rather they are bound by their intolerance of differing points of view coupled with a resistance to forging a mutually agreeable compromise. And least we miss an important point; this potential entrapment is equally shared.
Never said it was easy.

In the course of life we begin making choices. Some we regret, others we value as examples of our strength and capability to enact positive change, accomplishment. When ideologue perspectives turn to uncompromising principles evolving into civil law, it should come as no surprise that intolerance's deepen.
Compromise requires strength from all parties. Rather than being an effigy of weakness, compromise embodies the tireless work of bridging islands capable of sustaining common ground. Just as our choosing to live our personal values is a choice, denying choice to others eventually serves as an enabler giving reign for intolerance to trump compassion, hate to rise above love and war to replace peace.

I am under no illusion that the Adoption Taliban will not show up again. If not my blog, then possibly yours. Then again, I have every reason to believe that opinions have every right to be heard even while unpopular.
Who knows, maybe someday we will all take the time to listen to what the other is saying and work together for real change to take place.
Maybe, someday...
peace
fm