Lately, I've been struggling with detaching myself from ideas like James'. It's not that I agree with him per se (at a point in time I probably did), but that I almost instinctually want to defend and criticize anyone who dissents from those type of ideas. But I don't want that instinct anymore. Something in me lately has been questioning why I even have it to begin with, but I understand now.

I've realized that it's near impossible for extremists of any type to see themselves as such. This is especially true of those on the Left, because we usually advocate for and support progressive policies. In that case, how could we ever be bad people? We want equality for everyone.

That last statement is a searing hot volcano vent that far too many liberals fall into. Vitriol is vitriol. When you find yourself resorting to ad hominem attacks in the name of justice, there's something wrong. As a young adult, I've been trying to cultivate good habits so as to best challenge society in the ways I want to. A huge part of that has been coming to the conclusion that most things in life, politics included, are gray. Not black and white. Everything has nuance and taking an extreme stance on just about anything is horrendously foolish - but an easy trap to fall into.

So many people also fail to realize that they don't have a strong argument, but a loud opinion. Sorry for rambling, but thank you so much for linking me to this. Can't help but feel like I needed to read it.