Monday, October 02, 2006
Prejudice and Bigotry
I just took a survey about prejudice and bigotry and it got me thinking: what areas in the United States and around the world need work? What is the most prevalent prejudice or bigotry? For example, I was torn between the idea that hetero-sexism and sexism in general, are the areas of prejudice that are still the most prevalent. But most people, in the results area of the survey, answered that it was racism. And I know that racism is still very prevalent, but I tend to think of it as a more regional thing, rather than a world-wide, nation-wide thing. So, I want your thoughts, your discussions, your vague ideas. What prejudice is most prevalent? Why? In what ways are you prejudiced, or bigoted, or just have cynical ideas? For example, I tend to be very cynical and look down on relions and people who are extremely devout in religions - any religion, but especially Catholicism. That is based on personal experience, and I try every day to fight it, but I very often fail - though happily, I sometimes succeed. My cynicism and skepticism is based on experience though, not a pre-judgment. So does it count as a prejudice against that religion? I try to keep an open mind about it, but I tend to find it alien? Anyway, just an example using me as a whipping-girl. Please, feel free to add.
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5 comments:
Well they do say there's only one thing extremist Jews, Muslims, and Christians can agree on, and that thing is homosexuality. I think that ALL kinds of prejudice need work, but being gay is currently the one that is most talked about. It has become more difficult for people who are racist or sexist to be as overt about their bigotry in general, though these types of ideas still exist in more subtle ways.
I myself am extremely prejudiced against James Blunt and his whiny singing voice that I am currently being forced to listen to. I won't judge anyone who may happen to like him, but I might pity your horrible taste in music ;)
I like one song - probably the one that keeps playing and makes you crazy - but I rarely have to hear it, so I still like it.
As for sexism and racism - that's true, even if you are either, saying it out loud can be a risk - even if you actually behave differently than you say. Interesting point. So you would argue then, that heterosexism is the prejudice that is most in need of some major tune ups so to speak?
Yes, I think I would agree with that, because so many people are unabashedly against gay people and actively trying to deny them rights. There is actually a cause to fight for in this instance.
As long as there is humanity, there will be bigotry.
You can never truly fix this. You can perhaps change the mind of a few people, but there will always be that one schmuck that thinks his views are the only ones worth listening to, and he'll spout them loudly on Springer.
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