In This House...

Oakland, California

I admitted something on Instagram recently...that I have mixed feelings about this sign: 

It's easy to love this sign. To love the come-as-you-are feel. And the first time I saw this sign, I felt hope that we are all going to be okay. That we are all going to come together, that we are stronger and bigger and something-er. 

Fine, this sign totally gave my heart shivers of happiness. 

But. 

Because of where this sign lives — in the coastal liberal's yards — I can't help but wonder if this sign in and of itself is a contradiction. The mere placement of this sign says, "Bigots, racists, and deplorables, be gone." 

And I'm not sure how I feel about that. 

When I voiced as much in my Instagram comment, I was met with responses: 

- "Being afraid to exclude racists is how we lose." 

- "PC Culture leads to group think?"

- "...and also, we should have to accept all people. I do not accept Nazis, KKK, alt right, stalinists, khmer, rouge, boko harem, bigots, etc. They can believe what they want but they are not allowed to have any control of mainstream dialogue or policy if they cross a line of civilization that I don't accept." 

It's hard. I don't disagree with my friends, my dear friends who want the world to be in their image (and who have a really lovely image). But how can I love people whose societal views differ from mine, while not accepting them? How can we all be Americans if we refuse to accept all people, and if we agree it's okay to exclude? 

I guess I just wonder if exclusion of any group is the answer. Curious for examples of times this has been the best course of action for social change — leave in the comments below.