Being an "anti-vaxxer" is a lot like being accused for a crime and then not being given a trial by your peers. The topic is so taboo that most people don't even attempt to talk about it. If one does try, there is usually a lot of resistance - most people feel that they would never change their mind and they want to avoid negative consequences of the conversation - usually the ending of a relationship.
I'm reminded of this quote:
I'm reminded of this quote:
“Being taught to avoid talking about politics and
religion has led to a lack of understanding of politics and religion. What we should have been taught is how to have a civil conversation about a difficult topic.”
Because people are very determined not to change their minds, I decided a long time ago that cannot be my goal. Besides, who am I to tell someone their way is wrong? I really don't think that is my place. I always love talking to people who are curious about new things and find those are the most most productive conversations anyway. What I do consider absolutely non-negotiable is my right to decline a medical procedure for myself and my children. If people could truly "live and let live" I would not feel like I need to try and push this topic at all. Unfortunately, that right is increasingly being taken away from parents and all citizens - here in the United States and all over the world.
So you can see the predicament that I and many others find ourselves in. Criminals are not given the luxury of being left alone. Criminals deserve a punishment. Even though I truly believe I cannot change someone's mind - especially about such a controversial and charged topic - my family is being threatened and so I must try to defend us. Most people don't want to hear our arguments, aka give us a trial. They presume we are guilty no matter how little research they have done themselves. They trust the experts, the doctors and their life experience up until now. They believe that vaccines are safe and effective.
And so, I think that my job is to create "reasonable doubt". Maybe others won't agree with our choice, but they will begin to see that there is more to the issue than they thought. Maybe then they can let go of their anger and being to feel a little curiosity instead. This is my goal. Please - at the very least - give us a fair trial.
So you can see the predicament that I and many others find ourselves in. Criminals are not given the luxury of being left alone. Criminals deserve a punishment. Even though I truly believe I cannot change someone's mind - especially about such a controversial and charged topic - my family is being threatened and so I must try to defend us. Most people don't want to hear our arguments, aka give us a trial. They presume we are guilty no matter how little research they have done themselves. They trust the experts, the doctors and their life experience up until now. They believe that vaccines are safe and effective.
And so, I think that my job is to create "reasonable doubt". Maybe others won't agree with our choice, but they will begin to see that there is more to the issue than they thought. Maybe then they can let go of their anger and being to feel a little curiosity instead. This is my goal. Please - at the very least - give us a fair trial.
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