ontheedgeofeverything

I debated writing a post discussing the convoy of trucks that have made their way into Ottawa’s core to protest against Canada’s COVID-19 mandates. Sure, I have my own opinion on the matter, but I’m reluctant to share it because there is a high probability that my own views and opinions will become a target for hateful comments on the matter.

Fuck it, it’s storytime.

I think the ‘freedom convoy’ is an incredibly powerful example of unity and community among Canadians. I support and applaud what it stands for, strictly within positive ways, and further, what it is aiming to do. To me, this convoy is an embodiment of what it means to be a Canadian, therefore I’ll admit I was honestly a bit shocked when I began seeing and reading hateful comments pertaining to the matter.

Are some of the events that have occurred at the protest unfortunate and disrespectful? From what I have read, yes. It would be ignorant to refrain from acknowledging the distasteful behaviour of some of the individuals present at the protest. We are all entitled to our own opinions, of course; I personally would rather look at the overall inspiring meaning and goodness within the movement as a whole. I can recognize the wrongs that have occurred and learn from them, but I don’t have to write off the entire effect of the event. Does that make sense?

Something I have realized as a result of this convoy is that we, as a collective society, seem to be obsessed with hate. Something that started out being so positive and inspiring has now been bogged down with negativity, and it’s because we are, apparently, incapable of celebrating anything altruistic anymore. It seems as though anything buoyant nowadays has been met with an incessant need to argue, challenge and hate.

I can’t help but think if we shifted, or redirected our obsession with hate, and applied it to actually trying to get along with others who may or may not share our views and opinions on a matter, how astounding the outcome could be. It isn’t rocket science, people. We seem to take pleasure in choosing to be negative, and I really can’t figure out why.