Though it is true that I have not personally had any… significant traumatic events, I am no stranger to them. My family has a proud long-standing tradition of military service dating back to WWII (that we know of); because of this, I have experience dealing with PTSD and am aware of how psychologically damaging the events that cause it can be.

Now, my original statement still stands: moving past a traumatic event (“healing,” if you will) is much more difficult in a “safe space” environment. HOWEVER, I did NOT mean to imply we should just shove them (trauma victims) out into the wild with zero aid resources whatsoever. I believe the miscommunication lied here, and apologize for not stating my beliefs more clearly.

Resources are in place to aid victims in coping with their experiences (be they sexual assault, combat wounds, or anything else), FOR GOOD REASON. Many individuals need time to properly heal after the initial shock wears off. That time is well-deserved and should be respected. However, there comes a time where one must face his or her fears in order to truly move past that chapter of their life. This is where my issue with safe spaces comes in.

Safe spaces in their current form and practice on college campuses are political tools. They are weapons wielded by administrative staff and a number of students to enforce the idea of their way being the only way. Safe spaces have, in effect, been taken over by children. Those individuals abuse safe spaces to create ideological echo chambers, and then proceed to abuse their power as well to snuff out political opposition.

And that, my friends, is the problem: safe spaces have been largely perverted into political weapons, and now barely resemble their intended purpose. Sorry for this second “novel” Mickey, but it appears my arguments have to be this drawn out in order for people to not oversimplify them. To add to that, I never once discouraged you from sharing your opinion.

Not bait, for I seek no argument, though based on the fact you have left multiple comments on this new and short thread already, I saw the shark in the water, yet chose to swim. I gave my opinion. It differs from yours, so *you* had something to say. Your opinion was already known. You made it clear before I shared mine. I won’t be discouraged from sharing and neither should anyone else.

Continuing on, my statement about Whiteness History was not a political one. I’ll wait while you read it again. It was my opinion and you are correct, my political views would be one of (sticking to actual voters in this country alone) millions. The materials shared in Whiteness History educate on the things conveniently left out of history books or, or only quickly skimmed over. Much of it can be found in newspapers and other writings. They are facts, so your statement is just another search for an argument that isn’t there.

To close this out I will state that it seems you may have missed the point many others tend to. Not just in my statement, but in Whiteness History, but perhaps you could take the course? This link to PCC’s own site will describe a little more about it: /about/diversity/cascade/whiteness-history-month/about.html. No where does it indicate this has any political intention other than changing our campus climate for a better and more integrated experience. Perhaps you don’t think that *is* better? Perhaps neither of us should jump to conclusions? If your inviting a discussion, you can do so without an attack on anyone, no matter how eloquent. ;-)

You’re happy the “Whiteness History” (read: politically-driven group shaming) video made the list? Okay, that’s fine: your right to express your opinion is inalienable… or is it? Tell me, do you support “safe spaces”? I do not, because ample psychological evidence shows this kind of coddling makes trauma victims worse off; it is much more difficult for them to come to terms with their experience and move past it when they are never exposed to it.

However, safe spaces have become a political tool used to systematically eliminate opposing views, strong-arm rational discussion of politics into the floor. Power has been abused numerous times over the past few years to achieve both of the above goals. Calling out exactly “who” and “how” would result in this post’s immediate deletion, so I will trust the reader to know what I mean.

Continuing on, we have this statement: “It is good to see people get educated on reality.” Excuse me, what gives you the right to claim your political *OPINION* is fully congruent with reality? I do not make the same claim of my own views: I acknowledge I am only one voice out of billions. I encourage those who listen to or read my material to offer their eyes and ears to my political opposition, compare the gathered information and form their own views out of the larger pool. You, however, failed to reinforce your statement with any sort of evidence, empirical or otherwise.

Let’s close this out with a response to your last sentence: “Sorry so many people miss the point, but hopefully the continued focus on education will make a difference in time.” What “point” are you speaking of, exactly? Discussions are always easier to undertake when no assumptions are made regarding the audience’s telepathic abilities. Please state said point so I may address it. And, “the continued focus on education”? By that, I assume you mean continued hypocritical suppression of political and social adversaries, and simultaneous preaching of tolerance?

Nazi Germany tried that, and it didn’t work. Fascist Italy tried that, and it didn’t work. The USSR tried that, and it didn’t work. Imperial Japan tried that, and it didn’t work. The Roman Empire tried that, and it didn’t work. European monarchs tried that, and it didn’t work. The Ottoman Empire tried that, and it didn’t work. The British Empire tried that, and it didn’t work.

Does a little date called “April 19, 1775” ring a bell for you? It’s okay, you can open a new tab and pop it into Google. While you’re doing that, remember: no matter how loudly you shout, rationale is always superior in volume.

I used to speak softly and carry a big stick. I will speak softly no more.