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Re: Us and Them
m_c_004b@frank.mtsu.edu ("m_c_004b@frank.mtsu.edu")
Sun, 14 Apr 1996 13:00:31 -0500
>
> Brian Michael Howell writes:
> I completely agree that the same argument could be applied to linguistic
> and ethnic diversity. The difference, though, as I see it, is that I know of
> no program which was founded on the basis of enjoyment of multiculturalism or
> celebration of divirsity which then went on to commit evil, intolerant acts.
> I think the reason for this is that such acts would go against the precepts
> which are the backbone of such programs.
I believe the original thread posited that the universalist religions
(ie, ones that believe their creed should be universally adopted and are
willing to use force if necessary) foster less tolerant worldviews in
individuals than the more relativistic, group-specific ones. Someone
else wrote back saying that *every* group, even Wiccans and Buddhists,
has an us and a them, even if it's only "we believe this and they
don't."
Yes. The difference is (and it's a *big* difference), the 2nd type
of group does not outright condemn the nonbelievers. Wiccans, for just
one example, believe that all must find their own path in their own time.
Jews know the goyim are different, but still human (correct me if I'm
wrong). Tribal religions not only know their gods are their own, but
can't understand why anyone would *want* to "convert" to their gods.
"Us" and "them" need not be adversarial to be differentiating. >
Carolyn Martin
MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
(please, no jokes about the Monkey Bill)
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: :
: "I must Create a System, or be "Dux Femina Facti."
: enslav'd by another Man's; : - Virgil
: I will not Reason and Compare: ("The leader of the enterprise
: my business is to Create." : is a woman.")
: (William Blake) ____________________________________
: : (m_c_004b@frank.mtsu.edu)
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