Why Do They Hate Us?

SHITHOLE, OH — It’s a question many of us have asked ourselves. Why does Middle America hate us? At its core, being a progressive means being open-minded, accepting, compassionate, and willing to see the world through the eyes of another. We live these values, so it can be confusing when our attempts to make the world a better place, to reach out to those less fortunate than us, are met with hate.

Consider the case of Melinda Byerley, who recently used social media to reach out to Middle America to find some common ground and, perhaps, heal old wounds. Melinda’s overarching theme was one of love, and when Melinda loves, she loves big! Sometimes it can be difficult to reach out to those who hate you, but Melinda assured the stupid people that we might all live Stronger Together in Midwestern “shitholes” if only they would surrender their hatred for brown people.

Unfortunately, her peace offering has not been well received. The vitriolic response to Melinda has only confirmed what many of us suspected – Middle America is consumed by hate. Imagine reaching out to someone in good faith to help them see that they are uneducated, sexist, bigots, living in a dung heap, only to have your efforts rewarded with derision. Wouldn’t you want to know if it was you? Can you imagine becoming so angry if a good Samaritan pointed out just how bad a person they think you are? I can’t.

We live in Trump’s America now. All we can do, all the Melindas of the country can do, is continue to reach out in love to Middle America. Maybe, just maybe, one day red state Americans will be privileged to have a neighbor like Melinda.

* You can read Melinda Byerley’s words of encouragement to Middle America in the image included with this article.