Former Westboro Baptist Church Member's Reason for Leaving

[monarch64]

Trigger warning: emotional content.

I'm posting in hopes of beginning a conversation during a time of relaxation for many Americans (Labor Day Weekend) and for anyone in the world who may have some spare time to watch the video linked and consider how the info within could apply to conversations about...many things, including current socio-political situations.

This was a very stumble-upon moment for me, finding this TED talk by Megan Phelps-Roper, former active Westboro Baptist protestor. I had previously been listening to Mary Beth Barone's standup comedy videos on youtube and for whatever reason (let's call it good universal timing) this popped up. It was posted in 2017, but as I listened I immediately thought of events that are taking place in my city right now, and recent threads on Pricescope involving racism as well as the death of one of the Koch bros.

Phelps-Roper brings up 4 tenets of communication later in the talk:

Don’t assume bad intent

Ask questions

Stay calm (pause and come back)

Make the argument

These are familiar to me, and seem obvious, but I find it difficult to remember them when I am particularly passionate about something. The speaker's calm demeanor and soothing voice really helped me hear what she was saying, and I must confess that I wept for myself and my fellow Americans and all of humanity despite her utter lack of earnestness. I found this to be a beautiful speech and wanted to share it with all of you. I still believe there is hope in the world, and that it is possible for us to understand each other through our differences and ignorance about "the other side."

Edit: why did I include a trigger warning? Because I am a crier and I don't want you to cry at work or whereever you are that might not be conducive to crying.

 

[whitewave]

Thanks, I’ll listen in a bit. It’s been a hell of a day for me.

 

[Bonfire]

Powerful. Thanks for sharing this

 

[monarch64]

If anyone is interested, Joe Rogan's podcast episode on which she was a guest:

Absolutely fascinating.

 

[redwood66]

Thank you @monarch64 for posting this. I have seen the Westboro folks when they came to town to protest at a local young man's funeral. Her story is powerful. Love Joe Rogan so I will save that podcast for when I am at work next week.

 

[yennyfire]

Wow! That was powerful. And emotional to listen to....thanks for sharing.

 

[Bron357]

Such a beautiful articulate woman.
Thank you.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I don't know anything about the Westboro church, but from what she said, I can't imagine living in that world. I agreed with every single thing she said. I wish the world could approach each other that way. It is sorely lacking in our world today. I didn't find it particularly emotional except that she was transformed from her thinking by the love and generosity of others. I am amazed by the doctrines that church holds.
Do they not read their bibles? As the intensity of social media has escalated, I have had many of these same thoughts. With one exception, I have no desire to argue with people on social media or any forum. I am impressed that she continued to engage, and thankful that she was able to get out and yet sad that it made her leave her family for good.