posted Monday, July 05, 2004 - 06:37 AM (#18235)
Ok, so I've been thinking a little bit about my stances on a few issues now and then and I've come to the conclusion that I'm not really sure anymore where my opinions should really lie so I thought I'd start a topic in here.
Basically I have a problem. I believe in freedom of opinion, religion etc. Inherent in this belief is that I also believe that it is wrong to discriminate against others based on their opinions or religion, and that people should be allowed to practice their own religion and hold their own beliefs. This is because I believe that I should be allowed to express my opinions and live my life the way I want to and others should similarly have that right. In fact, I've spoken up about how people seem to think it is their right to insult others' religious beliefs (particularly Christian beliefs).
However, the problem arises because of the fact that I belong to several minority groups- I'm gay, I'm not a Christian, I'm an ethnic minority etc etc. The gay thing is the worst in terms of this I suppose. Let me illustrate with an example:
I was at college the night before I left for the month-long mid-year break. Bear in mind that this story makes slightly more sense because it was 2am in the morning, I hadn't packed anything, I was damn tired, and I'd just said goodbye to the girl I'm seeing. Anyway I was talking to a friendly acquaintance of mine, and he said something about how while he agrees with gay rights he thinks homosexuality is morally wrong because of his religious views. Which triggered some discussion about the bible and homosexuality, also with this other guy there... I really didn't feel like having an argument so I wasn't arguing, just listening mostly. And anyway there was some point at which I just got a bit annoyed about it, and emotional since of aforementioned factors.
I'm not exactly sure how to interpret the above episode, because I do respect the fact that the guy supports gay rights even though he thinks it's morally wrong. And I'm not sure whether I should've been annoyed or not given my beliefs. Ordinarily I don't think I would've been that annoyed or emotional. Which brings me to my next point:
Is there a point at which you can be too accepting of other's beliefs? Should I make more of a stand for myself or would that be hypocritical?
Basically I have a problem. I believe in freedom of opinion, religion etc. Inherent in this belief is that I also believe that it is wrong to discriminate against others based on their opinions or religion, and that people should be allowed to practice their own religion and hold their own beliefs. This is because I believe that I should be allowed to express my opinions and live my life the way I want to and others should similarly have that right. In fact, I've spoken up about how people seem to think it is their right to insult others' religious beliefs (particularly Christian beliefs).
However, the problem arises because of the fact that I belong to several minority groups- I'm gay, I'm not a Christian, I'm an ethnic minority etc etc. The gay thing is the worst in terms of this I suppose. Let me illustrate with an example:
I was at college the night before I left for the month-long mid-year break. Bear in mind that this story makes slightly more sense because it was 2am in the morning, I hadn't packed anything, I was damn tired, and I'd just said goodbye to the girl I'm seeing. Anyway I was talking to a friendly acquaintance of mine, and he said something about how while he agrees with gay rights he thinks homosexuality is morally wrong because of his religious views. Which triggered some discussion about the bible and homosexuality, also with this other guy there... I really didn't feel like having an argument so I wasn't arguing, just listening mostly. And anyway there was some point at which I just got a bit annoyed about it, and emotional since of aforementioned factors.
I'm not exactly sure how to interpret the above episode, because I do respect the fact that the guy supports gay rights even though he thinks it's morally wrong. And I'm not sure whether I should've been annoyed or not given my beliefs. Ordinarily I don't think I would've been that annoyed or emotional. Which brings me to my next point:
Is there a point at which you can be too accepting of other's beliefs? Should I make more of a stand for myself or would that be hypocritical?
--
bunnies...*splat*
bunnies...*splat*