/u/mach-2 Gives a well thought perspective on whats happening in Baltimore

I agree. I am a white male but I generally tend to think way too much about these things, which puts me in a weird position sometimes. Let me explain. I thoroughly enjoy talking to people with whom I completely disagree with on a certain topic, because I always learn something new... or I see things that I never would have on my own. I've learned that there really are no objective truths when it comes to social issues. I mean, I'm 21, yet I feel as though my thought patterns and belief systems are nowhere near hardened. I have a very mushy brain, so to speak. However, the principles I pride myself on are deeply engrained in there somewhere, like the ideas of critical thinking, empathy, rationality, etc. Those will never change (I hope). I hate being attached to one side, the very idea of being on one end of any spectrum scares the hell out of me. Now I understand that there are times when you need to take a side, but what does that mean really? The spectrum is just something we created. I believe people should think about the foundations of their belief systems before they spew their hot takes all over reddit. Like, I was raised a very conservative republican Roman Catholic God-fearing son of a bitch who genuinely thought that the difference between republicans and democrats was that republicans wanted people to work for their money, while democrats wanted to just give away money "for free." Which is just so simple-minded. It's sad to see some of my friends still affected by that very same thought. On any given social issue, there are "truths" to both sides, and that's where the danger lies. The one side cannot fathom the other because in their mind it makes total sense, just like this makes total sense in my head. Everyone's biggest folly is to think that their way of thinking is the most correct. I think it takes a lot to be able to step back and say "hmm, I actually don't fucking know anything." When in doubt, just use the golden rule. Peace mane.

PS - this does not apply to the sciences or maths (i think)

PPS - sorry for the rant, i am very tired and this was all stream of consciousness

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