Letter a chance to educate
Mitch Russell’s letter regarding the rainbow crosswalks might at best be seen as a misguided or feeble attempt at humour. In my opinion it sorely missed the mark. As I understand it, Mother Nature provides the rainbow as a gift to humanity which has become a symbol of hope. Something we find joy and connection in, when we’re lucky enough to witness one. For many, one person’s “God” has absolutely nothing to do with it!
Suggesting folks not use the rainbow as anything other than for what was intended is absurd. I challenge this irrational thinking and point out that since the beginning of time people have used symbols to represent ideas and emotions that matter to them. Without deity pre-approval.
Consider the use of symbols by the Egyptians, the military, by engineers or in cartography. Flags are used around the world to symbolize a nation, a people or a country. What would our world look like without symbols? Colored ribbons raise awareness of important issues, sport teams use them for uniting fans. Fraternal organizations — the Masons have the square, compass and the forget-me-not, Rotarians a wheel and the Eagles gather “in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice and equality to promote peace, prosperity, gladness and hope”. Folks, that magnificent regal bird — is obviously more of Mother Nature’s amazing work. And…Lest we forget the humble poppy which has become a symbol of Remembrance. In 2017 symbols are used in and on everything from purchases (barcodes) to video games. Yes, by followers of God.
Are Christians co-opting an idea that has already been taken, because they use a lily, or fish as part of their sacred symbology? I would suggest that these items, like candles, shepherd hooks and crosses, are not exclusive to followers of organized religion and weren’t created by one ‘magical’ god. Mitch decided to support this philistine opinion by threatening that the creator would make people pay. Scripture suggests a loving, merciful god, not one who gets perturbed, is vengeful and punishes, or fights for power. Perhaps Mitch needs to have a bit more faith.
Mitch’s letter can be seen as a thinly veiled expression of rejection towards difference and a return to the diminished thinking of the past. Some may just write it off as yet another example of bigotry, discrimination and hate, by those who claim righteousness. I choose to use this as a teaching moment, to educate stuck people like Mitch.
The Rainbow Flag was designed in 1976 to celebrate diversity — of race, gender, age and all things inclusive. A universal symbol that works in any language. The rainbow is known throughout the world as a powerful symbol of peace. Not unlike the dove or the peace sign. Having a painted rainbow crosswalk does not infringe on anyone’s rights or freedoms. Full stop.
I would leave Mitch and those that support his limited beliefs with this thought:
“Diversity, generally understood and embraced, is not casual liberal tolerance of anything and everything not yourself. It is not polite accommodation. Instead, diversity is, in action, the sometimes painful awareness that other people, other races, other voices, other habits of mind, have as much integrity of being, as much claim upon the world, as you do. No one has an obligation greater than your own to change, or yield, or to assimilate into the mass. The irreconcilable is as much a part of social life as the congenial. Being strong in life is being strong amid differences while accepting the fact that your own self can be a considerable imposition upon everyone you meet. I urge you to consider your own oddity before you are troubled or offended by that of others. And I urge you, amid all the differences present to the eye and mind, to reach out and create the bonds that will sustain the commonwealth that will protect us all. We are meant to be here together”. William M. Chace, “The Language of Action”
I understand clearly that there are abhorrent opinions still wrapped up in religiosity which must be overcome. I’m concerned that this obvious ignorance and apparent unwillingness to consider enhancing community was given space in our local paper, especially during the month of our annual celebration of Pride on Vancouver Island. In the meantime, I will take heart in this lyric:
“Some day we’ll find it
The rainbow connection
The lover, the dreamers, and me” ~ The Muppets Rainbow Connection
Robin Rushton
Cobble Hill