Oh hell no! Shit like this vexes me to no end! You don't have to be tolerant of others (just be prepared to back up your opinions somehow, especially if they're strong ones). Somehow cultures and traditions are revered because they're 'exotic' or 'we have always done like this!', but that doesn't make them any more valid. Faith and beliefs even less so. On the topic of Muslims for instance, the ridiculous notion that you can't eat pork, because the pig is a 'filthy' animal. That's absolute bull and anyone with some knowledge in food hygiene knows that the parasitic worm, that can be carried by pigs, dies when the flesh is cooked in at least 70oC for 7 minutes (and less if the temperature is higher). No topic is holy, everything and anything can be questioned, and if it can't stand up to scrutiny it's most definitely not the fault of the one pointing the flaws out. Boo for London School of Economics!
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura
