The hostility is not a root cause, it is a symptom. Treat the root cause by helping them use the tools of thought, and the hostility should dissipate.
I can agree with the idea that the hostility is a symptom. However, I fear that what it is a symptom of is the following:
"We believe that the choices you make are wrong. Not simply incorrect, but immoral and toxic. In a perfect world, you'd turn away from such behavior and turn to righteousness. Since you seem unwilling to do that, it's my responsibility to keep myself, my family, and the things that I hold dear as far away from you as possible until you come to your senses. This includes the governance of my country."
[a] Although this most directly applies to such "moral values" issues as same-sex marriage and abortion, it's also commonly applied to things like the social services system, education, and the like. Watch the public opinion-makers and you'll see more and more support for the meme that liberal ideas are not simply wrong, but wicked and dangerous.
[b] The tools of thought are potent ones indeed. But how do you present them to someone who has been taught that faith is the source of the important answers?
[c] 20% of the nation is 75 million people or so. That's not such a small number.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2004-11-04 10:57 am (UTC)I can agree with the idea that the hostility is a symptom. However, I fear that what it is a symptom of is the following:
"We believe that the choices you make are wrong. Not simply incorrect, but immoral and toxic. In a perfect world, you'd turn away from such behavior and turn to righteousness. Since you seem unwilling to do that, it's my responsibility to keep myself, my family, and the things that I hold dear as far away from you as possible until you come to your senses. This includes the governance of my country."
[a] Although this most directly applies to such "moral values" issues as same-sex marriage and abortion, it's also commonly applied to things like the social services system, education, and the like. Watch the public opinion-makers and you'll see more and more support for the meme that liberal ideas are not simply wrong, but wicked and dangerous.
[b] The tools of thought are potent ones indeed. But how do you present them to someone who has been taught that faith is the source of the important answers?
[c] 20% of the nation is 75 million people or so. That's not such a small number.