But I think you are missing that the people Darryl talked to had to also be open to that conversation in the first place.
Moreover, the physical risk in that approach is quite high and the level of violence in the modern GOP’s rhetoric has just continued to ratchet up every year. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the same approach in this situation. Most of the people that we’d need to replicate what Davis did are in no position to put themselves in that kind of situation–and presumed allies like myself can only do so much.
The KKK is a violent extremist organization. How is interacting with that any less risky than the current political climate?
If people just give up on dialog there is 0% of change but if we don’t give up and there is even a 5% chance of humanizing with someone to change their hurtful view, that is many thousands of times better than no chance.
Because Davis was a grown adult when he started doing this, not a teenager or younger that is already much more likely to be a victim of violence.
I never said we shouldn’t try to have a conversation, but there are situations where I cannot recommend putting yourself in harm just for the small chance of changing someone’s mind. Davis decided to do that, but it’s not everyone else’s responsibility or duty to do the same.
I admire your compassion and empathy.
But I think you are missing that the people Darryl talked to had to also be open to that conversation in the first place.
Moreover, the physical risk in that approach is quite high and the level of violence in the modern GOP’s rhetoric has just continued to ratchet up every year. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the same approach in this situation. Most of the people that we’d need to replicate what Davis did are in no position to put themselves in that kind of situation–and presumed allies like myself can only do so much.
The KKK is a violent extremist organization. How is interacting with that any less risky than the current political climate?
If people just give up on dialog there is 0% of change but if we don’t give up and there is even a 5% chance of humanizing with someone to change their hurtful view, that is many thousands of times better than no chance.
Things will never improve if we give up.
Because Davis was a grown adult when he started doing this, not a teenager or younger that is already much more likely to be a victim of violence.
I never said we shouldn’t try to have a conversation, but there are situations where I cannot recommend putting yourself in harm just for the small chance of changing someone’s mind. Davis decided to do that, but it’s not everyone else’s responsibility or duty to do the same.