This is going to be slightly cynical and depressed, as I’m very tired, but continuingish from last time:
See, the problem is that most people thinks their own problems are the biggest. Not consciously, of course, but they still think so. And the people who are most like them have the second biggest problems, etc.
Most people (all people) ultimately think this way. I know I do – whatever cause I’m currently worried about (or worse, whatever personal problem I have) is of course the one I care about the most. It’s self-fulfilling.
And self-defeating.
You know, I think most people are trying to save the world. Environmentalists? Certainly. Mainstream liberals or conservatives? Sure. Hardcore evangelical christians? Absolutely. Libertarians? Check. I think that even most Lawyers/Insurance Executives/Politicians/Whoever you happen to dislike honestly think they’re doing the right thing, at least ideologically speaking. (Personal selfishness is another matter entirely…) But all most people/groups/causes do is help a few people, hurt a few other people, and argue a great deal with each other.
That’s why I’m a feminist, actually. It’s not just the gender equality angle, even though that’s vitally important. It’s that modern feminists more than any other group try to deal with race issues, health issues, war, natural disasters, hell – even men’s issues, in addition to their core mission. It’s usually from a feminist point of view, of course, but it’s an excellent start.
I don’t expect everyone to be a third+ wave feminist, though – but this sort of Grand Unified Oppression Theory is something everyone needs to be on board with…
Basically, I’m sick of working with someone to promote education for disabled children, only to have them turn around and insult a transgendered person, dammit!