On this issue I am of conflicting ideals.
As on these boards and in civilization in general we should strive toward tolerance of different ideas, thoughts, views and perspectives. We should be respectful of one another on events from which direct harm does not follow. At one point in our own history abolitionists were found worthy of derision by an overwhelming segment of our society. However, their message grew and the demographics changed. At one point the idea of home rule and self determination were in the minority in the colonies, until those ideas and ideals grew to nationhood. At one point the idea that women should stand equally under the law was considered idiotic and ridiculous, worthy of hatred by some, due to the obvious inferiority of women. There are many times when ideas considered worthy of derision or hatred grow into the majority and displace the olde guard.
At the same time the idea of using words or symbols for the sole purpose of hatred or agitating someone else is in and of itself worthy of derision.
Yet, just because something is worthy of derision should it be banned? It is only through open, intellectual conflict born in the fires of passion that logical, cogent thought can prevail and destroy an idea unworthy of respect. By burying an offensive thought, word, or gesture we cannot confront it and destroy it in the open light of day. For an idea to be truly purged from thought it must be allowed to be in the open and confronted civilly and logically.
Can we trust teenagers to do this? Should we trust teenagers to do this? While it is certain that some passions will run high and boundaries be crossed, without allowing such we cannot truly destroy the idea. It will continue to fester and agitate under the skin of our society.
Let teachers teach, without the shackles of bureaucracy and political correctness holding them back. If we let symbols of hate or disrespect into an alleged learning environment, let us shout from every mountaintop that these ideas will be allowed in, only to be slaughtered in a crucible of truth and logic. Let those who wish to wallow in hatred and intolerance know that they are free to do so, yet if they wish to share those ideas they will be met, and destroyed, with greater ideals based upon morality, tolerance, and justice.
We allow our fears to govern us too much, methinks.
Regards,
Doug
As on these boards and in civilization in general we should strive toward tolerance of different ideas, thoughts, views and perspectives. We should be respectful of one another on events from which direct harm does not follow. At one point in our own history abolitionists were found worthy of derision by an overwhelming segment of our society. However, their message grew and the demographics changed. At one point the idea of home rule and self determination were in the minority in the colonies, until those ideas and ideals grew to nationhood. At one point the idea that women should stand equally under the law was considered idiotic and ridiculous, worthy of hatred by some, due to the obvious inferiority of women. There are many times when ideas considered worthy of derision or hatred grow into the majority and displace the olde guard.
At the same time the idea of using words or symbols for the sole purpose of hatred or agitating someone else is in and of itself worthy of derision.
Yet, just because something is worthy of derision should it be banned? It is only through open, intellectual conflict born in the fires of passion that logical, cogent thought can prevail and destroy an idea unworthy of respect. By burying an offensive thought, word, or gesture we cannot confront it and destroy it in the open light of day. For an idea to be truly purged from thought it must be allowed to be in the open and confronted civilly and logically.
Can we trust teenagers to do this? Should we trust teenagers to do this? While it is certain that some passions will run high and boundaries be crossed, without allowing such we cannot truly destroy the idea. It will continue to fester and agitate under the skin of our society.
Let teachers teach, without the shackles of bureaucracy and political correctness holding them back. If we let symbols of hate or disrespect into an alleged learning environment, let us shout from every mountaintop that these ideas will be allowed in, only to be slaughtered in a crucible of truth and logic. Let those who wish to wallow in hatred and intolerance know that they are free to do so, yet if they wish to share those ideas they will be met, and destroyed, with greater ideals based upon morality, tolerance, and justice.
We allow our fears to govern us too much, methinks.
Regards,
Doug
