The Biggest Hypocrite in the World?

So today, I was talking to my sister about Gears of Golgotha.  We were looking up actors that looked like my characters, and I was telling her all that I had planned for the novel.  The conversation seemed to be going well; we were talking civilly, like actual human beings.  That is, until I told her about why I was writing the story, that if we want to make the world better, we need to drop the labels and actually do something as a species.

She turned to look at me.  "That," she said, "is the most hypocritical statement I've ever heard you say."

My jaw dropped.  

I'm used to being called a hypocrite.  Hell, I'll be the first to admit that I'm the biggest hypocrite out there. Still, I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt.  When you're writing something that's supposed to have a good message and then have someone knock it down, it kind of stings.  Just a tiny bit.

I sat on what she said for the rest of the day.  She did have a point.  I do have a tendency to label people, especially those who don't agree with me.  I won't hesitate to jump on the bait about anything that makes my beliefs look right.  Growing up liberal in a mostly conservative environment, I had to deal with people thinking I was a blasphemous idiot for quite a while before I found a place where I could fit in.  I've never been able to express my political opinions without starting a fight that usually ends in damaged relationships and tears.  Every time my family starts talking about politics, I just put my headphones in and try my best to ignore them.  So now, whenever I have an opportunity to express my beliefs, I take it.

On the other hand, regardless of what beliefs I or others have, I should not stoop to that level.  I know the pain of being demonized just because I was different.  I should never have any excuse to do the same. There's a difference between telling people you're a liberal or conservative or Christian or atheist or whatever, and telling people that if they aren't what you are then they're uneducated bigots.  If I do that, I become just as much of a bully.

But does that mean that I am a hypocrite for writing Gears?

The world isn't perfect.  Many things are easier said than done.  We may spend too much time talking about doing good things rather than actually doing them, but honestly, sometimes it's just not possible to actually do them.  If I could rescue every stray animal, I would.  But I don't have the money to adopt and feed them, or the room to keep them.  One person can't do it all.  It takes a group effort.

I may be a hypocrite, but I think that this is the one time that I'm not.  I can't bring people together on my own.  Honestly, Gears is my penny that I'm tossing in the wishing well of the world.  Besides, maybe by writing this novel, I am encouraging an inner transformation of my worldview and thinking.  I just hope that I don't lose sight of this purpose as I progress further into my story.

Love and Coffee cups,
Rebekah