Thread: If It's All The Same To You, Why Deny Others?

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

I don't think we should deny their rights "because it doesn't affect us". Who's to say that it does or does not affect us?

I am asking the simplest question at the simplest level. Please take it at face value and forget about the long term consequences and statistical implications. I am curious about the passionate need to be involved or concerned with the choices of strangers.

An old man protesting violently against the legality of abortion. An abortion for any reason performed on a complete stranger does not affect this man. He simply wants all abortions stopped forever. It is something in his gut driving him. What? Why?

A middle aged woman married with children stands in front of a polling place screaming at a gay couple, "It was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve!" The gay couple are not related to her. Why would she so vehemently deny them the same deal she herself has enjoyed?

I think this is about belief.
People do not like to feel insecure, but as soon as you show them an alternative way of doing the things they believe in, they will.

Originally Posted by icedog

I am asking the simplest question at the simplest level. Please take it at face value and forget about the long term consequences and statistical implications. I am curious about the passionate need to be involved or concerned with the choices of strangers.

Because, in their mind, it does affect them. Somehow, someway, they believe it. Whether it's their morals being encroached upon because they might have to explain to their children why two men are kissing and wearing wedding rings or that God will destroy the country via fire and brimstone.

I think you'll find that if they believed that it truly did not affect them, they would not be so vehement about it. Ask that same woman about the HIV epidemic an Africa, and ask that old man about the recent Pirate Bay ruling in Sweden. Whether they know it or not, those issues probably do affect them, but they perceive that they don't, and therefore likely won't be picketing about it.