A thought on the relatively recent (the last couple or few decades) push for tolerance and equality... Political correctness has perhaps helped curb some derogatory slurs and produced some artificial sensitivity over the years, but along with that, it has and continues to take us from one extreme of the societal spectrum (e.g., violent racism, etc.) to the other (attempting to force religious organizations to do what they oppose on moral grounds, etc.). I point this out, though Im not on any moral crusade against any group or a member of any church or religious organization. What Ive observed in many of the otherwise liberating movements over the years is a very common tendency that exists, which, in effect, undermines and stamps out one form of extremism, only to implant their own in its place. Violence waged on others, whether physical, verbal, or of any other nature, as well as harassment, intimidation, threats, etc., are assaults on the individual, and thus should be halted and punished. Not to slight another human being is what I equate with tolerance. Its a respect, not necessarily a love or celebration, that we grant to others. Efforts to force or intimidate others to change their own beliefs (which could mean pressuring them to abandon their own principles or moral values, etc.) are often just as militant as any actions on the other end of the societal spectrum. As an example, it is quite common in our day for someone to be mocked or completely discredited the moment they make it known they believe in God or a higher power, or that they are religious and/or go to church. Having no stakes in this debate (being that I neither consider myself religious or atheist), I can only advise that those who preach tolerance should ensure their own tolerance of others is not selective. In other words, its quite easy to tolerate those who we share much in common with, the real challenge is in achieving this with those we may disagree or not get along with. One must realize that a change of heart does not come by way of force or legislation. One has a right not to be assaulted, harassed, or threatened by others, but no right could ever force someone to like or love us, or to believe what we believe. This video is a perfect example. Link to the video on Youtube and simply read the comments left by those who viewed it. What are your thoughts?... ▶ Norm Macdonald on Larry King Now (Talking About DNA)
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 09:08:14 +0000