Shocking moment

[kengr]

On the local news a while ago they were doing short clips of "man n the street" type interviews.

They asked this one older woman and she said she'd vote for McCain. Ok I don't like it, but I can understand that some folks think that's the right choice.

Then she went on and said she was pro-life. Bit of a wince on my part there.

Then came the shocker. She blithely went on to say "I'm against gay rights".

Not "I'm against same sex marriage" or "I'm against "civil unions". But just a calm matter of fact statement that she was against "gay rights".

That's so sweeping that it is (or should be) shocking. Because what she's saying is that *anything* that can be called "gay rights" must be wrong.

I can't imagine someone saying *publicly* (as opposed to in a meeting of like-minded individuals) that they were against civil rights. Yet what she said is the exact same thing. Different group, same concept.

That she feels that way is sad. That it doesn't even occur to her that it's a sentiment best not expressed in public (if for no other reason than the fact that many people's reactions will be more than a little negative) is appalling.

Comments

[netdancer.livejournal.com]

What frightens me is she isn't the only one just like that. There's a whole generation of bigots who never learned to keep the vileness to themselves.

Entitlement Bitch Bigots.

[tsjafo.livejournal.com]

Bigots don't see anything wrong with the way they think. Most don't want to. "If I could only talk to you, you would see how wrong you are" will not work. Some people will not change their minds because it was the way they were taught and nothing will convince them their world view is wrong. Some people don't want to change because they derive pleasure from feeling superior to others. Some people can't change because their minds, for good or bad, are set in stone. Thinking new thoughts, examining a different world view, changing one's attitudes about a subject requires courage, strength, and imagination that many simply can't muster.

The only thing I can think that will bring about change is to keep questioning prejudice until people are forced to think about it. Some folks can not or will not change. But others will hear, others will think for themselves, others will accept a different world.

[fayanora.livejournal.com]

She'll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes.

ah- do recall the caution about becoming what we profess to despise.

[capybyra.livejournal.com]

We risk a curious osmosis in matters of evil. It corrodes by contagion. We justify our wishing evil on others for their etc. And then again?

The wages of some evils are not conducive to good Karma.

Re: ah- do recall the caution about becoming what we profess to despise.

[fayanora.livejournal.com]

Ah, what webs we weave when first we fail to receive... humor. ;-)

No - that was my intended POINT!

[capybyra.livejournal.com]

Many of "us" are able to grasp the subtle grace of humor. Sadly a Lynch Mob is *NOT* so perceptive. Let me try to clarify my sentiment and observations.

I beg in advance to be forgiven for my potentially overstepping what a mere guest should say. But it needs to be said..

A comment in OUR worlds about trivial violence is accepted as humor and not a command to joyously slay the heathens. In their worlds a comment about the most loathsome hatreds you'd want to NOT hear discussed starts them drooling in anticipation. Even if only vicarious anticipation- Akin to any other Pavlovian imprinting. THEIR world maps literally embrace denial of "right to live" for all but a fetus. Thus we review my response about contagions.

WE know there's a difference between an epithet or pithy comment and reality. And we appreciate the difference. Between a comment of wry ironic allegory or comparable humor and INCITING VIOLENCE. I'd like to believe WE never will form lynch mobs and go bashing those not wired however we are! Now when you look at the unwashed masses however?

THEY view the epithet or exhortation to whatever hatred is in play- as time to drag human beings behind trucks or just trample,kick and punch till they get bored. They view GTA and Insane Clown Posse as "positive role models"

The saddest part to me is my potentially being understated.

Re: No - that was my intended POINT!

[fayanora.livejournal.com]

I think I see what you mean. Good point. Sarcasm is not understood by everyone, is what you mean.

And it goes deeper than that.

[capybyra.livejournal.com]

A wisdom hammered into me from childhood was one of deliberation. We lose credibility if we appear out of line. If on the other hand WE seem sane and our opponents appear barking mad?

[siegeengine.livejournal.com]

exactly, exactly. It's almost as if: an attempt to codify discrimination makes people suddenly think, "well it must be ok to think this way, then. I mean, they're trying to make it into a law, right?"

It's horrible. It's all over the place here. Hateful little signs on everyone's lawn that practically scream, "down with gay people."

There's a deeper level to it even if there's no bottom to their hate's depth.

[capybyra.livejournal.com]

If it becomes known to some species of cruel idiots that hurt can be caused- their heart leaps with joy. Schadenfreude is a deity's benediction in their eyes. When they have their hands,voices and votes in the service of knowingly causing others to suffer- that's their seemingly highest moment of glory. Or is that being overly sympathetic to OhSay- Fred Phelps or Michael Savage of the Rockstar drink empire? BtW- Savage is the one who denies any Autistic disorders are real! Hmnn- I won't risk my Karma by inciting violence against Savage, But his dying of AIDS would be an abject message that Karma truly does bat last... Humor of course eh:>

[mistresscayenne.livejournal.com]

She needs to close her eyes and wish for the world to be all the goodness and light she thinks she is experiencing right now.

Chrissy Michelle
Cayenne Photos and Art

[maxstories.livejournal.com]

Different group, same concept.

We've come so far since the '50s and '60s with respect to equality regardless of sexual inclination. I don't think there will be or should a "Gay Civil Rights" - just a removal of heterosexual stereotypes. And when I see the current crop of 15-22 year olds, I see people who have had a lot more diverse and broad exposure to various sexuality options and have a certain amount of tolerance across the spectrum.

So maybe in another 40 years you'll see the real changes.