Every now and then we’ll have guests stay with us because they are scouting out property; thinking of relocating to the Rogue Valley, Ashland specifically. When asked how we like living here my response pretty much goes like this: we very much enjoy Ashland because it is small enough to have a sense of community, but large enough that not everyone knows your business.
An Open Mind
I then continue on to say that in order to live in Ashland, one has to have an open mind to all lifestyle choices because anything and everything goes in Ashland – and I mean everything. If one does not embrace the eclectic culture of Ashland, one will not enjoy living here. It’s as simple as that.
Gay Pride Day
With that being said, today was Gay Pride day here in Ashland, which is celebrated with a parade and festival. Pretty much anyone can register to walk in the parade, folks with differing view points are welcome. We missed the parade today because we weren’t able to get away from the inn early enough but as we walked into town I caught sight of a group of people standing around a man who was holding a rather large sign. He was standing on something that gave him some height and there were two women standing next to him with signs of their own. What I noticed before even reading the signs was that his was very well made and had obviously been made prior to today, while the signs of the two women were of a – quick, give me something to write on – nature. Once I got closer, I saw why.
At a time when our country seems to be so divided even the government shuts down, it’s good to see Freedom of Speech alive and well, regardless of your political or personal beliefs.
Even though I strongly disagree with his stance, I applaud the courage of his convictions to stand alone holding his sign during a Gay Pride celebration.
This woman’s sign shows the love and support of her daughter – and I applaud her courage to stand right next to the man with the sign. This mama and her sign touched my heart.
And this one – she must have grabbed a chalk board from the nearby restaurant and quickly expressed her freedom of speech as well – wanting to make sure everyone understood that she also applauded his freedom of speech even though she clearly did not agree with his stance. I will admit, this one made me laugh.
Three people, three signs, three opinions. It’s what this country is all about – Freedom of Speech. And as the locals say, “Only in Ashland.”
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Brilliant and interesting issue to highlight Patti; freedom of speech really is a vital right and those of us who have that right often totally take it for granted. I have to admit I love the last chalk sign though 😉
Amy recently posted…Changes to our Travel Packing List
Thanks Amy – pretty much everyone’s favorite is the last sign!
I love that woman’s chalk sign! That’s good quick thinking.
Jess recently posted…Emergency Backup Cuteness: Denali Sled Dogs
Yes, I thought the same thing!
Just finished reading the historical novel “Moloka’i”
and learned that in the old Hawaiian culture they
believed there were three sexes.
Well that sounds intriguing! Don’t leave us hanging, what was the 3rd sex?!
Love that third sign. Perfection. 🙂
Renee – RambleCrunch recently posted…A visit to Morélia’s wonderful Museo del Dulce
Yep! She really nailed it!
Freedom of speech is great, people should be able to express their opinion. Of course there will always be different opinions and people should learn to respect someone’s opinion even if you do not agree with it. On the other hand people should also not force their opinion upon others. It is also sometimes dangerous people express opinions out of fear or misunderstanding. I think the 2nd sign is lovely and the 3rd one made me really laugh and is so true at the same time 🙂 Love the way she handled that.
Freya recently posted…Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Tour
Totally agree Freya ~ and I thought both women were awesome. They weren’t talking to the guy, they weren’t being rude or outspoken, they just stood beside him and held their own. It was quite something.
The chalk board made me chuckle. If only most people could find a way to express their opinions without doing it in such a hateful way and looking beyond stereotypes.
Kerri recently posted…Sydney’s Corner: Finding an Injured Bird
What a world it could be – think of the possibilities! As always, Kerri, thanks so much for reading!
I once lived on the peninsula of Vancouver. Everyone knew us as we were both doctors.
I could not shop without meeting a patient. I love being anonymous in a city which is why my travel lifestyle currently works for me. As for the parade – lol love the last poster! That was a hoot to read 🙂
Natasha recently posted…A dog’s walking tour perspective of the Old Town of Nice in France
Agreed – sometimes it’s just nice to be alone in a crowd, so to speak and a large city can offer that. On the flip side, life in a small town can be a page out of a Norman Rockwell coffee table book. They both offer the good and bad. Yep, the last picture was pretty cool!
I don’t understand why people are so very threatened by other people’s lifestyles and personal choices- as long as they aren’t trying to convert me to whatever it is- be it sexuality,religious political views etc.
santafetraveler recently posted…Photo of the Week: Truck and windmill at San Marcos Cafe
Beat’s the hell outta me, Billie! I think it must be deep-seeded insecurity on their part.