Quote:
Originally Posted by BookZombie
Greetings
I am bisexual and I to do take offense at statements such as gays to to hell, however I also see that it is an individual's right to hate. If they for example want to wear a tshirt with such a message I would think that they where complete idiots, but I would tolerate their views. I do not think that the way to change people's minds away from bigotry is to outlaw them from expressing their views. I mean they can turn right back and say, well I think it is offense to see two gays kiss, and then in addition to the hate that is already there they get a feeling of resentment as they feel unfairly treated. However by letting them have their views but working against such ignorance that way one can change minds.
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In the example of them getting offended by seeing two gays kiss, the difference in the nature of the stimulus must be noted.
- Being offended by a person with hate filled placards and spouting their anger is caused by the fact that said person is displaying hatred. Their views are negative and as such, people react negatively.
- Two gays kissing is - like anybody kissing - caused by attraction. It's a positive emotion and whilst many feel uneasy about it, it is not inherently a negative thing.
I completely understand your arguments, but I'm sticking to my guns that when freedom of speech is likely to result in such an overwhelmingly negative emotional response and is attached to historic events which many would like to forget -
- Stastika when linked to neo-nazis - WW2 and Holocaust
- Anti-Semetism - Years of oppression and pogroms for the Jews
- Racism - The slave trade, segregation and continual animosity
it is sometimes better to control it. For societies' sake.