Censorship on the political Right and the political Left equals INTOLERANCE on both sides

 Some on the Right ban books (really? - in this day & age?!), and those books are not breaking the Law.  They don't contain libel, or promote something illegal such as child pornography or insurrection.  Writing about gender issues or systemic racism is not against the Law.  Neither is writing about socialism.  All this is not rocket science; it's simply common sense, right?

Some on the Left engage in cancel culture and beyond-the-pale political correctness.  They try to shame people and/or cause speaking events to be cancelled.  The targets of their "holier-than-thou" onslaught have not broken any laws.  Instead, they have views different from those on the Left.  Now, obviously, if a speaker is advocating insurrection, or some other illegal action, then of course the event should be shut down.  Threatening anyone with bodily harm (even if it's not related to insurrection) is a form of assault, and is against the Law.  Having different views is not.

Here's a clip for all the holier-than-thou True Believers on the Right and the Left---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDTi2eMW26U

WARNING:  for people who, for whatever reason, are psychologically fragile when it comes to coarse language (so-called "cussing"), be aware that such is contained in this less-than-eight-minute clip.

I imagine the practitioners of intolerance think they have really good reasons for their actions, or even believe it's not intolerance at all.  But here's the thing:  if the target of your action is not breaking the Law, then your activity regarding the person(s) demonstrates your intolerance of their freedom.  For some odd reason, you believe they should act as you act, think as you think, believe as you believe.  Even if they aren't breaking the Law, you can't tolerate whatever they're doing because their view of something doesn't fit in with yours.  So, come hell or high water, you're going to see their book banned, or their speech cancelled, or the like.  Apparently, you're the self-appointed guardian of society.

I realize some of this banning of books, for example, revolves around the concept of "protecting children" in school.  As a former teacher, I agree some books may not be appropriate for children of a certain age.  That doesn't mean those books must be banned for all children of all ages.  It also doesn't mean historical TRUTH should kept from children.  Pretending racism doesn't exist, or gender issues are not real, or democratic socialism is evil, etc. are all examples of little else but IGNORANCE.  Indoctrinating children into such beliefs, and/or preventing them from learning the truth is wrong, and harmful to their social development.

As to cancelling speeches by means of disruption or other methods, that also is as wrong as wrong can be.  Boycotting a speech is okay, of course, but preventing others from even hearing views which don't agree with yours is an insult to freedom.  There are lots of opinions in the world, not only yours.  Allow people to hear all sides, not just your holier-than-thou view.

As I navigate through old age, I continue to wonder if members of our species ever are going to "live and let live".  I've wondered about such for decades.  Will cooperation among us ever exceed competition?  Must we all too often try and cram our particular beliefs down someone else's throat?  Some cooperation is going on in the world, but not anywhere near the scale required if we are to survive (and thrive beyond) the current socio-eco-econ-ethical Crisis.  Intolerance certainly is not helping.  It often leads to hatred, and then violence.

In our evolutionary history, despite violence and the dark side of innate tribalism, we managed to thrive due to our intelligence and cooperative leanings.  Other species had more physical prowess and were more efficient predators, plus they were better adapted to survive the Ice Age; but we exhibited more group cooperation than most of the others.  That's required now more than ever before.

......................

Not only my opinion.  Be Well

Where the Political Left is Wrong in Social, Educational, & Political Spheres - REDUX

I first posted this piece about two years ago.  Here it is again because I believe intolerance is a major obstacle to the successful implementation of worldwide sustainability.

........................

Here's the main thing wrong with the general political Left in the social, educational, & political spheres of life---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snqXOvnHzcQ 

and, although it's well-intentioned, it's creating a "stunning fragility" in our youth.  Plus, it's accompanied by an almost virulent self-righteousness.  The speakers here expose it, & explain why it's damaging...not only to our youth, but also to the country in general.  I agree 100%.

The clip is only 13.5 minutes.

The subject matter at the above link includes:  egregious, over-the-top, political correctness; the coddling of kids; gross intolerance of views other than those promulgated by the Left; "slurring" rather than debating in a reasonable manner; and a subtle self-righteousness regarding social and political issues.

By the way, the political Right (in general) is as bad as, or worse than, the Left regarding this whole shebang... at least, most of it.  The result is that the fracturing of our society gets worse & worse every year.  Civility is well on its way to being totally gone.  It's being replaced by not only rudeness, but intolerance and violence as well.  The Corporate Media seem to focus on such activities, but rarely (if ever) ask "Why is this happening?".  Undoubtedly, the answer contains many factors, complex factors; nevertheless, we need to figure this thing out.  If we don't, I believe our society will continue to break down, perhaps even to the point of Martial Law being imposed.  It costs little to nothing to seriously and rationally consider an opposing point-of-view.

A starting point is this:  every side in any significant disagreement passionately believes that its side is the one "in the right", or "best for most people".  The opposing sides need to find out why "the other side" thinks that way... rather than simply slurring them and giving them sound-bite retorts.

Politicians, institutions of all kinds (religious, educational, social, Law enforcement, non-profit, for-profit, etc.), and all of us "common" people need to wake up and re-double our efforts to promote reasonable & civil debate, tolerance, and respect for individuals with opposing views.  I've seen decades of decay in that regard.  It doesn't bode well for the future of our Land.

So, though it may be extremely difficult to do, I propose to all "True Believers" to (at least once in awhile) step outside the "For or Against" paradigm and make a herculean effort to consider issues without having any prejudgements.  I like Socrates' observation on Wisdom:  "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.".  Let's be more tolerant of each other's views...and start learning.

Not only my opinion.  Be Well

Where the Political Left is Wrong in Social, Educational, & Political Spheres

Here's the main thing wrong with the general political Left in the social, educational, & political spheres of life---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snqXOvnHzcQ 

and, although it's well-intentioned, it's creating a "stunning fragility" in our youth.  Plus, it's accompanied by an almost virulent self-righteousness.  The speakers here expose it, & explain why it's damaging...not only to our youth, but also to the country in general.  I agree 100%.

The clip is only 13.5 minutes.

The subject matter at the above link includes:  egregious, over-the-top, political correctness; the coddling of kids; gross intolerance of views other than those promulgated by the Left; "slurring" rather than debating in a reasonable manner; and a subtle self-righteousness regarding social and political issues.

By the way, the political Right (in general) is as bad as, or worse than, the Left regarding this whole shebang... at least, most of it.  The result is that the fracturing of our society gets worse & worse every year.  Civility is well on its way to being totally gone.  It's being replaced by not only rudeness, but intolerance and violence as well.  The Corporate Media seem to focus on such activities, but rarely (if ever) ask "Why is this happening?".  Undoubtedly, the answer contains many factors, complex factors; nevertheless, we need to figure this thing out.  If we don't, I believe our society will continue to break down, perhaps even to the point of Martial Law being imposed.  It costs little to nothing to seriously and rationally consider an opposing point-of-view.

A starting point is this:  every side in any significant disagreement passionately believes that its side is the one "in the right", or "best for most people".  The opposing sides need to find out why "the other side" thinks that way... rather than simply slurring them and giving them sound-bite retorts.

Politicians, institutions of all kinds (religious, educational, social, Law enforcement, non-profit, for-profit, etc.), and all of us "common" people need to wake up and re-double our efforts to promote reasonable & civil debate, tolerance, and respect for individuals with opposing views.  I've seen decades of decay in that regard.  It doesn't bode well for the future of our Land.

So, though it may be extremely difficult to do, I propose to all "True Believers" to (at least once in awhile) step outside the "For or Against" paradigm and make a herculean effort to consider issues without having any prejudgements.  I like Socrates' observation on Wisdom:  "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.".  Let's be more tolerant of each other's views...and start learning.

Not only my opinion.  Be Well

"Political Correctness is Fascism Pretending to..."

be Manners"  ~ the late, great George Carlin

Amen, George...and Rest in Peace

Do a YouTube Search for the title in order to see the brief clip.  Unlike his others, this one has no cussing... for those who may be offended by "bad" language.  It absolutely destroys the concept of PC...and does it with great humor.

Not only my opinion.  Be Well

Political Correctness (PC)

This (below) is from a postscript that I wrote to my brother.  It may be of interest to some or all of you...and, as always, it's just my opinion.  [Thankfully, I think the PC Movement is on its way out of our society; at least, I see the beginnings of that.]

Russell Means (R.I.P.) of A.I.M. stated in an interview with a Caucasian, "I'm an American Indian; a 'native american' is anyone born in this country."  John Echohawk of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) once wrote, "There is nothing whatsoever wrong with the term, 'American Indian'."

As you might guess, I really don't like the whole "politically correct" schtick.  I think it's akin to de Tocqueville's "mild despotism"...the bending & shaping of individuals by the power structure.  It doesn't bother me that others use the term "native american" (as long as they don't insist that I use it), but I prefer "American Indian"... and I have only the greatest respect for those folks.  [I'm aware that some Indians prefer "Native American".]

To illustrate how silly (to me) all the PC stuff is--- Almost everyone would refer to us as "White"; even the Fed Gov't uses that term on forms.  I really dislike the term. Typing paper is "white"; I certainly am not.  European American, Caucasian, Anglo---fine, no worries...but please, not "White".  As applied to humans, I think the term is stupid...but...I don't make a big deal out of it & start a PC movement to pressure everyone into not saying "White".  After all, taking offense to something like that is (to me) the problem of the offended...I think it's a sign of insecurity & psychological weakness.  I say to such folks:  look inward to solve your problems, not outward.  Whatever happened to "Sticks & stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."?

Point is: I believe that the whole PC Movement is a contrivance of the power structure (Oligarchy) to intrude upon Individualism and limit free speech.  The Oligarchy does its best to make us into a Nation of Sheep.  Well...enough of that whole subject.  [It's good to vent... avoids ulcers...& prison :)]

Happy Trails

"Political Correctness"

Social engineers and their unwitting dupes have been attempting to impose Political Correctness (PC) on us for quite a number of years. PC proponents, whether in the workplace, Uncle TOM (Tired Old Media), or the Government, are attempting to make conformist drones out of all of us. The reason is simple: we then will be easier to manipulate.

PC indirectly says: you have no right to be an individual if what you say or do might offend someone else's delicate sensibilities; you have no right to be blunt or rude, or to have a weird sense of humor. Well, piss on that. There is NO SUCH THING as the Right to not be offended or insulted, whether deserved or not. Sorry, social engineers, that right does not exist. If you don't like my sense of humor, or bluntness, or rudeness, or poor use of generalization, that's just too damned bad. Feel free to avoid me. If you can't avoid me, then just ignore me. But you have no right to muzzle me; I'm not infringing on your genuine rights, or on your property. It takes all kinds of people to make up this world...including those who are rude, or those with a strange sense of humor. Live with it.

[And by the way, stop jumping to conclusions---just because I make a joke about Polish people, or Irish folks, or Mexicans, or bald people, or fat people, or uptight management types, or short people, or tall people, or blondes, or rednecks, or cowboys, or Indians, or city folks, or young squirts, or old farts, or government bureaucrats, or ANYONE, does not mean that I'm anti-any of them, or that I'm an unworthy person. If you don't like it, just ignore it. If you're too psychologically weak to do that, then that's your problem, not mine. Plus, did it ever occur to anyone that one of the purposes of making an ethnic joke (as an example) is to demonstrate that those who believe the contents of the joke are idiots?! Maybe that's too subtle for some people.]