I would like to believe that it is a correctable condition. I don’t think it has anything to do with not being intelligent or a permanent inability. Rather, small mindedness in regards to life long indoctrination that has not allowed them to see all sides of an issue and all ramifications of what they strive for. If someone grows up only being taught oppression as the means of reaching a goal, then oppression is their method to get what they want, regardless of their own desire for personal freedom.
I should mention that my original question came about in regards to the Mohammad cartoons. Based on what I understand of Islamic culture, I accept and agree that the cartoons are extremely offensive. But as I mentioned during a previous class discussion, barely a day goes by without Americans seeing their flag burned as a method of disrespect. But I as an American understand that the United States is more than the sum of the flag that it uses. No harm can be done to this country by a burning flag, just as no harm can be done to Islam by offensive images. However, the response to either of those actions can do harm, by harming others or creating oppression.
On June 9th, 2006 at 7:03 am
For the same reason they can only be friends with people of the same viewpoint – small minds.
On June 9th, 2006 at 11:20 am
I would like to believe that it is a correctable condition. I don’t think it has anything to do with not being intelligent or a permanent inability. Rather, small mindedness in regards to life long indoctrination that has not allowed them to see all sides of an issue and all ramifications of what they strive for. If someone grows up only being taught oppression as the means of reaching a goal, then oppression is their method to get what they want, regardless of their own desire for personal freedom.
I should mention that my original question came about in regards to the Mohammad cartoons. Based on what I understand of Islamic culture, I accept and agree that the cartoons are extremely offensive. But as I mentioned during a previous class discussion, barely a day goes by without Americans seeing their flag burned as a method of disrespect. But I as an American understand that the United States is more than the sum of the flag that it uses. No harm can be done to this country by a burning flag, just as no harm can be done to Islam by offensive images. However, the response to either of those actions can do harm, by harming others or creating oppression.