Belief
Sean Moore
A good idea, held too tightly.
Do you mind if I ask you a question?
When’s the last time someone calling you stupid and telling you what you believe is wrong has ever changed your mind?
Sure, it feels good to call some bigot a Nazi, explain in full detail why his religion and beliefs are not only antiquated, but so pig-headed and asinine that whatever deity he still foolishly clings to in this era of science and intellectualism would surely send him straight to hell for thinking that prejudicial rhetoric is somehow representative of the will of said higher power. But do you know what they call people who make fun of others for their beliefs? Plenty of words come to mind, but “intolerant asshole” is chief among them.
Prejudice doesn’t claim righteousness for one side or the other, because no matter the cause, persecution for one’s beliefs is just plain wrong. There are no right beliefs or wrong beliefs: there are only my beliefs and the beliefs that others hold that are contrary. And just as someone calling your pet valued cause petty or insignificant or morally, ethically, or scientifically wrong wont do much to change
You can’t sway someone by telling them why they are wrong. You have to do so by telling them why you are right.