06-02-2015, 02:13 AM
Topics such as these always bring out some very strong emotions in folk.
They're issues we have very strong and personal opinions about.
It is an important debate, but it's also a challenging one because we're asked to look at ourselves and examine our own beliefs, values and prejudices.
From that point it is valuable... but there are also some people's beliefs that are set in stone and unchangeable.
People become quite defensive at a suggestion that they might have elements of their makeup that does discriminate on the basis of race, religion etc
Prejudice....like most things, covers a large spectrum of different levels of intolerance.
It can range from extreme violence against a group to a feeling of just being uncomfortable around members of that group, or even a feeling of resentment because of perceived advantage.
While I agree with most of what Mav says, even writing this I feel a need to revise and edit based on how some of it may be misinterpreted.
I think that's a common problem with people discussing issues of discrimination. If you comment you put yourself out there for your prejudices to be exposed and judged. There's nothing wrong with that. The only danger is folk doing the judging will have their own bias and prejudice.
The issue for us as a group is...
Can we, as a forum, debate such topics without resorting to personal abuse?
Can we keep strong feelings in check and debate the merits of posts rather than attacking the poster?
They're issues we have very strong and personal opinions about.
It is an important debate, but it's also a challenging one because we're asked to look at ourselves and examine our own beliefs, values and prejudices.
From that point it is valuable... but there are also some people's beliefs that are set in stone and unchangeable.
People become quite defensive at a suggestion that they might have elements of their makeup that does discriminate on the basis of race, religion etc
Prejudice....like most things, covers a large spectrum of different levels of intolerance.
It can range from extreme violence against a group to a feeling of just being uncomfortable around members of that group, or even a feeling of resentment because of perceived advantage.
While I agree with most of what Mav says, even writing this I feel a need to revise and edit based on how some of it may be misinterpreted.
I think that's a common problem with people discussing issues of discrimination. If you comment you put yourself out there for your prejudices to be exposed and judged. There's nothing wrong with that. The only danger is folk doing the judging will have their own bias and prejudice.
The issue for us as a group is...
Can we, as a forum, debate such topics without resorting to personal abuse?
Can we keep strong feelings in check and debate the merits of posts rather than attacking the poster?