Making the Gym Great Again
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A few days ago, I was at the gym going thru the motions. As I approached and sat down at a bench by the free weights, I noticed in the mirror a guy jump-roping. Not that jump-roping was strange by any means, I’ve just personally never seen it in the free weight section before. When I looked back to confirm he really was jump-roping, I noticed he had on a red hat. The red hat had in all capital letters written across it, ‘MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.’ I was shocked to be honest. Sort of how I had never seen anyone jump-roping in the free weight section before, I had never seen an actual MAGA hat either. I thought I was seeing things.
A few moments pass and he walks past me to pick up a couple of dumbbells. As he’s picking up the weights, I get a clear glimpse of his hat and confirm it is indeed a MAGA hat. Like the 7.6 billion other people living, I too, have my own opinions of President Donald Trump. Likewise, with his supporters as well. And yes, for those of you wondering, he was white. Mainstream media portrays Trump supporters to be White Nationalists, racists, and bigots. I can’t even lie to you, those were the first thoughts which came to my mind. Could he be racist? Did he hate women? Does he have a confederate flag with a closet full of camo that he wears when he bears arms? Ha, nah I’m joking. But this is really the way social media and major news outlets portray Trump supporters! Seriously! It has an effect on us whether we realize it or not.
Reflecting on that moment, it was completely judgmental and dishonorable of me. I’m not too ashamed to admit when I’m wrong. Admitting when I’m wrong gives me an opportunity to grow and to attain wisdom. For all I know, this guy could’ve been the most down to earth person in the gym. We could’ve had many things in common. He could’ve been a Duke fan. His favorite basketball player could’ve been Kobe. Etc. Etc. I have friends who are Republicans and I have friends who are Democrats. All of them are great people. The only people’s political opinions I find hard to respect, are the ones who don’t have any basis as to which side, if any, they stand on. Not to be confused with people who are indifferent towards politics, because that’s okay too, but I’m talking about the people who ride waves, just following whoever. I’m talking about the sheep. Between Republicans, Democrats, and everyone in between, disagreeing doesn’t mean one side is wrong, much like agreeing doesn’t mean one side is right. Most people don’t get that, but that’s for another time.
At the end of the day, what I realized is he was just like me: someone trying to improve themselves at the gym. And I should respect that, along with him as a person, his political opinions, and his right to express himself. Mainstream media can play a role in our subconscious whether we realize it or not. The world is in turmoil, and we all could use more respect, more patience, and less judgement.
It’s good to be aware of these things, better to learn from them.