Idiot Son: Ramblings of a Lonely Black Conservative

Ramblings' Journal | 2.11.03 | Michael King

[mhking]

Idiot Son: The Lonely Black Conservative

I got rudely reminded that I'm the "idiot son" tonight.

Regular-type phone call from my folks - Mom was having some computer problems. Of course, the general answer is to call me.

Not an unusual course of events. I actually look forward to those phone calls from them.

In any event, I talked to my dad. Then my mother jumped on the line. "Is your dumb-assed president gonna start a war," she yelled into the line.

"It's not him starting it," I responded. "It's Osama and Saddam starting it. We're just finishing it."

"No, it's that idiot president of yours. I hate him. I hate both he and his father," she quickly retorted.

"Why, Mom?"

"I just do. Is he gonna start one?" she demanded.

"It looks that way, Mom - probably by this time next week or so."

"Aw crap. I hope we don't go to war. We don't need one. Here: talk to your father." She said as she gave the phone back to Dad.

"Now you know that 'Alfred E. Newmann' is an idiot, just as much as I do," he said as he took the phone from Mom.

"Dad, he's not--"

"Son," he interrupted, "I'm not going to argue with you about this."

"I'm not going to argue the point with you, either; our politics differ dramatically," I quickly replied.

"But everybody knows he's an idiot."

"I'm not going there with you again, Dad."

"Oh. Thanks for the computer help - I'll talk to you later..."

"OK, bye Dad," I said, and hung up the phone.

She-who-must-be-obeyed is my pillar of wisdom. She, of course, heard my side of the conversation. "You know better than to talk politics with them, let alone let them bait you into one. Is that the only reason they called?"

I looked over at her glumily. "No, Mom had some kind of problem with the computer."

"You OK," Rachel asked.

"Yeah, it just hurts to be so soundly reminded that I'm still thought of as the idiot son at 40."

People ask me about the names and the mindsets and attitudes of others when they learn that I'm conservative. It's difficult, but for the most part, it's worth it.

The biggest problem and most painful part of it all is when I have to deal with my stick-in-the-mud parents and close family and friends. It's pretty damn painful. It makes me wonder if it's all worth it.

[mhking]

Just damn.

How the hell do I deal with that?

[mhking]

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[GRRRRR]

Don't worry about it MHK...I get the same from my step-mother...she's still whining about Floriduh and Bush41...she thinks it NOT ok to wear fur because it kills animals but it's OK to murder American BABIES...

Hugs dude....

[Former Proud Canadian]

It may be hard, but you are dealing with it. Keep up the good work.

[Blueflag]

I share your experience with my mom in areas of faith in God. It's so painful to talk about it, and she's the one who brings it up so often.

Just be patient, loving, principled, steadfast and firm. A history of strongly-held values backed by valid and sound arguments has helped a lot.

It's tough when it's your parents.

[NeonKnight]

Sounds like you handled it fine. Never argue with your parents. Always make them think they are right. You may know differently, but that is not issue when it comes to family.

[JRandomFreeper]

I finally had to tell Dad that if he was so damnned smart, he shouldn't have a problem with his computer.

They are in their 70s now, and much less willing to be rude like that. And that's what it is. It's just rude.

We've been able to have a much smoother relationship since I've drawn the line, and since they are getting older.

/john

[secretagent]

You put me there. Thanks!

[aruanan]

Idiot Son: Ramblings of a Lonely Black Conservative

But we love you!

[Howie66]

Man, I know how you feel! Hang in there, my friend. You are NOT alone and every day that passes you will see that you are RIGHT! People are indeed coming around. It just takes some a little more time than others. Just be patient, of good cheer and keep your faith. This will all work out in the end.

[jackbill]

It makes me wonder if it's all worth it.

Yes it is. Keep it up. Be respectful, drop a hint from time to time and just maybe you'll get through to them.

[CoolGuyVic]

I know how ya feel. I still get lectures at 30 and thankfully my good upbringing keeps me from telling old dad where to shove it.

Keep up the good fight.

[decimon]

"You can pick your friends but not your relatives!"

But if you could pick your parents then it's obvious you would pick the ones you have. You are dealing with it.

[AdamSelene235]

I usually respond that now more than ever the country needs balanced debate. It is unfortunate that the left, prefers to demonize a single man rather than address the serious issues at hand with real solutions.

[swheats]

It's worth it, and I get the same treatment. Makes me not want to go around the family. It's one thing to disagree with a stranger, it's another to live in that mode with the family, who in large degree have a completely different belief system than I do.

Thanks for sharing.

[Humidston]

How the hell do I deal with that?

I give you Re-Joyce's phone number and your parents can call her? BTW, Joyce is in her late 60's and backs down for NO man! Her logical arguments would probably be better appreciated by your parents since you're just a "kid" in their eyes.

I'm serious as a heart attack... Joyce will evangalize like nobody I've ever heard! You let me know. She LOVES to "engage" others.

[VRWC_minion]

I'm white and I have the same conversation with my parents whenever politics comes up.

[cmsgop]

LOL!!!! I Love it! Ahh the Family.......

I get this too from my Dad about the economy. He says Bush is History in 2004. Then I go into facts and poll #s. It's kinda Fun for me..

[LibKill]

One has to put up with a certain level of bs from one's parents. You have to decide where to draw the line.

You are not obligated to fix the computer problems of people who insult you.

[Rocky]

Pretty ironic. They call the "idiot son" to get help on the computer.

Old ways are hard to change. Stay cool. They may never change, but as long as you stay cool, they will never have any justification for calling you an "idiot". It may dawn on them eventually that you have persisted as a voice of reason.