This is going to be the start of a series where I'll pen down certain thoughts and condense them into three short paragraphs (perhaps with a concluding liner). My goals are simple: to be succinct and to cultivate the habit of writing my thoughts down regularly.
Today's topic is as the title reads: Bigotry vs Dissimilarity. Let's explore!
Bigotry. That term carries with it a negative connotation for good reason. Bigotry is defined as the intolerance towards others holding different opinions. Usually, a person would have done something drastic or appalling, something driven by hatred and intolerance, to warrant the label of a bigot. For instance, a person who refuses to dine at the same table as someone of a race which he dislikes may be considered a bigot. Bigotry: it is stubborn; it is obstinate; it is hateful; it is borne out intolerance.
Tolerance, that is the next point. To be tolerant of someone or something does not mean you cannot say that that person or thing is wrong; in fact, a subject has to be wrong in first place for you to say: "It is wrong, but I shall tolerate it". Thus, tolerance is the act of accepting the difference in opinions and views, or accepting that something is not right. This brings me to dissimilarity: having a difference in opinion, views or stand. When we exhibit dissimilarity, regardless of entity or context, we are presented with the choice of either being tolerant or to discriminate upon the realization of our own disagreement.
As opposed to being a bigot, to be dissimilar can mean that you take an opposing stand but yet can be accepting and tolerant of the other party, treating them no differently than how you would treat someone otherwise. I may disapprove of gay marriages, for instance, but that doesn't mean I would necessarily jeer at a gay couple when I see one, or refuse to offer kindness to them. Dissimilarity with tolerance. That's not bigotry. It isn't the same thing. Therefore, you are free to disagree - on the condition that you can be tolerant.
Bottom-line: Do not conflate standing against a view with standing against the person.
Cheers,
Matt
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