RE: "I disagree with you, but i don't think you're Hitler"
February 24, 2011 at 2:15 pm
(This post was last modified: February 24, 2011 at 2:18 pm by Rwandrall.)
(February 24, 2011 at 12:59 pm)thesummerqueen Wrote: You have to remember though, Rwan, that Adrian made this board partly as a sanctuary where we COULD safely speak our minds.
Anyone who knows Min - ie, anyone who spends time on this board at any length, knows Min is smart enough to hate beliefs, not the person, and that he despises those who don't look at things like religion critically. He doesn't pretty up his words because he's on his turf at the moment - not theirs. That's why we have rules for theists, not atheists.
If you're a boy and come into my girls only clubhouse, you'd have to follow the same sort of thinking.
If anyone cares about my REAL opinion, I don't think eliminating the douchebags will change the stereotype. I think all of the reasonable, cordial, ethical and wonderful atheists there are in the world "coming out" would do way more to open people's eyes to how 'normal' they really are. After all...it's the sheer number of Christians that allows us to see the mix of good and bad, yeah?
We should be allowed to speak our minds anywhere and there is nothing wrong with that. But i can disagree with someone else's rethoric if i believe it is wrong and explain my reasons for disagreeing with it without stopping people from speaking their minds.
Just because we are on an atheist board does not mean i cannot condemn what other atheists say if i find it damaging.
Also, yes people who know Min know what he means, BUT what matter is the appearances. You can say anything you like, and then say "but i didn't actually MEAN that, it was an hyperbole", this does not make it okay to say whatever you want, even on your own turf. And if that seems like i want hippie politically correct speech, it is only because so much of the dialogue, on both sides, is way too extreme.
I do think we need to avoid this kind of statement because anyone who does not agree with our positions will likely take it literally, which will reinforce the stereotype and make any debate harder. You can disagree with, even mock someone without making generalizations or childish insults.
(February 24, 2011 at 1:59 pm)Shell B Wrote: Of course, I disagree with that. We are not enough a part of a group for one's actions to reflect on the whole. Some atheists are racist. Does that embarrass me? No, because I am not racist. I simply don't believe in god. Does it irritate me? Yes, but only insofar as I think racism is the epitome of stupidity. If you're going to consistently lump yourself in with all atheists, you will always feel the disappointment you feel now.
I limit my reactions to other atheists' actions only on issues concerning religion because it is naturally the only thing that i share with other atheists. It would be ridiculous to read about an atheist shooting someone and feeling embarrassed, of course. But when i share a position with someone else, when that person makes this position look bad i am allowed to say i object to their behavior.
