HOLT | Show a little respect
I've never been short on opinions. As a matter of fact, I also would like to believe that I am always right, but to err is human. However, there is one topic I feel I have the absolute upper hand on. Tolerance.
I have a major issue with people and groups who do not respect or tolerate an opposing viewpoint. I also take issue with people who under the guise of free speech preach hateful and hurtful messages.
Maybe I like to color my world in rainbows and butterflies, but I still believe that it is possible that we can all just get along. We don't all have to agree or conform - but can't we just respect one another?
Last week's presentation by Gary Glenn of the American Family Association, coupled with the protestors outside the Bovee University Center, is a perfect example of intolerance and a communication breakdown between campus organizations.
This week, there was another example: the fiasco with Amazon.com erasing the titles of all gay and lesbian-sympathetic books.
Amazon denies deleting the titles, saying that a bug created by a blogger caused the elimination.
On his LiveJournal, the blogger takes credit for the incident, stating his goal was to cause moral outrage.
What's the point?
Whatever the political, social or religious viewpoint of this blogger, why does he feel so entitled to keep information and entertainment from a whole group of people? Likewise, why would Amazon, a company that prides itself on offering the widest selection of titles and works, delete a whole array of literary options? That is not free speech; it is discrimination.
Sure, I have certain tendencies based on my life experience. I also think the world would be much easier if everyone subscribed to my belief system. However, I recognize this would not make the world a better place, but rather a society of drones with no ability to think or speak freely.
Therefore, I welcome people who make judgments and assessments on situations in an educated and enlightened manner, whatever their viewpoint may be. I also welcome healthy debates on my beliefs, with the expectation that my viewpoint, and yours, will be respected and given consideration.
As a matter of fact, I often look to be converted. I covered rallies for both presidential candidates last fall, and hoped to be swayed from one side to the other. I attended Catholic schools for middle and high school, the whole time hoping someone would present an argument to sway my social beliefs to a more conservative stance. That would have made my life easier in my social justice classes.
At the end of the day, though, I cannot readily subscribe to every controversial viewpoint. I can, however, respect the ones that leave open the door for conversation and allow the possibility of building a bridge to understanding.
To me, that is tolerance. That is respect. Those are two pillars I always seek to uphold, and that I always hope to receive in return.
