Despite the name, I really like Trae Crowder, the LIBERAL Redneck. He talks about the south and how it isn't all that bad, and quite frankly I agree with him.
- The south is the most diverse region in the US
- 35% of the LGBT community in the US lives in the south
- Texas, for example, is actually a pretty blue red state, and Georgia flipped as of recently. Sure, Georgia will flip right back, but it shows that these places are not lost causes.
- Virginia has pretty consistently flipped, and it was once a confederate state
- Voter suppression is the enemy here.
Don't get me wrong, I know electoralism will not save us, but it is at least a sign of changing attitudes. So what has been the best way to get people to come around?
This is a perspective from a 6'2 220 lbs fella so I'd take caution openly talking about this stuff unless you're in a group setting with comrades or can defend yourself. I'm not trying to paint southerners as bloodthirsty rednecks but it's still dangerous for anyone who isn't cishet and white.
The conditioning is a mix of "chip on the shoulder" and independent frustration so it ends up pretty fucking volatile.
I've had a lot of success with firearm talk and making sure everyone around me that is listening understands that I don't treat them like a toy. This lends a bit of credibility and respect. I promise you, anyone that gives a shit about firearms will be relieved that someone isn't fucking childish about firearms in the room.
"Dude, you're worth way more than that don't let anyone treat you like shit. Get paid more." has had moderate success. I remember when someone told me that I'm worth more than I believe I am and it meant the world to me. I've been making a habit of reminding people just how much they are worth even outside leftist talk. Even the most emotionally hardened men I've had a talk with can be susceptible to this and it creates a positive "vulnerability" (hope this doesn't sound sinister) that can open up. Mileage may vary here but I love it when it works. Makes for more genuine conversation.
The hardest part about the above statement is getting people to give a shit about other people enough to help one another, though. I can tell people they have so much worth as a human being but the dong-shaped state deep fryer brain worms are so damn impossible to break through sometimes. Seriously, I've made decent strides toward talking about leftist ideals but it all goes out the window when you suggest that we should extend ourselves to uplift others when able. I just wanna rage scream in private when it happens. I honestly don't know what to do here except try to find more angles and set a good example.
I've lived in the south for 75% of my childhood and adult life. Looking back at life with a different lens has made me realize that there CAN be a lot of good here but it'll be difficult as fuck.