Blogs, AKA: Soap Boxes

I'm not a blogger, although I might take it up. I've been reading others' blogs and get the feeling that most of them are trying to espouse their views on this or that. This is very appropriate for me as I have lots of views, better known as "opinions." But, convincing others of the value of one's opinion is not a very efficient process, I've noticed. Much effort is often expended when one group attempts to sway another to their position, almost always without success. We see these attempts everywhere from bumper stickers and t-shirts to billboards and blogs.



It seems that once we've made our position known, we can't very well change it without looking like a "flip-flopper!" And, not only that, we likely chose our original position out of selfish motivation. So, in order to change someone's position, it would likely be necessary to appeal to their selfishness, which is difficult considering our own selfish nature.

I've also noticed blogs in which people promote causes involving conditions of which they are a victim. For example, people with a "juvenile diabetes" blog most likely have a family member with the disease, etc... There is certainly nothing wrong with that. I also support the fight against juvenile diabetes and all other diseases. But, wouldn't it be more powerful if people who were not directly affected were also advocates? We should all support the causes that are most necessary for our society to achieve greatness and not just the ones that benefit us individually.

I want to go on record by saying that I, a male, support breast cancer research (I know males can be victims but we all know they are the overwhelming minority). I, a white male, support the equal treatment of those of all races and both genders. And, I, a person having been born, support the rights of the unborn to have a life. Oh, and I support world peace (but not at the expense of those things worth fighting for).

I guess the point of this article is for us all to get on board and fight the problems common to everyone.