General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I thought this was interesting about stereotypes. [View all]Shankapotomus
(4,840 posts)an inability, in some, to transcend political and social incompatibilities can sometimes lead to civil wars, violence and strife. Absolutely.
But sometimes that inability in people just means going your own way. Living your own life. It's important to see the good in all people and not to pre-judge negatively, as the OP noted - I certainly try not to become abrasive before anyone does with me - but some people, I think, should still have a right not to "extend a conciliatory hand" when they have indications that hand eventually may be bit further down the line. Some people have run the gauntlet when it comes to abuse from conservatives and I, personally, don't want to be the one to tell them they are wrong or leading us to civil war because they would rather avoid a conservative when they see one.
And they're not wrong for them and you are not wrong for you. Based on a person's past experiences, some people have the capacity to extend themselves and others do not. Where I think we go wrong is when we say, doing one or the other, is wrong.