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Old 09-08-2012, 01:11 PM
Static5 Static5 is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1
Default Dealing with intolerant people

I'm not sure this is the sort of input you're looking for and I'm new to
this forum so hopefully I'm not being redundant, but it seems to
me that the bible is just used by closed-minded people to rationalize their
existing homophobic and transgenderphobic beliefs.

So I'd imagine that directly refuting their ideas would just lead to them
entrenching further into their positions. After all, the basis of their
argument already makes no sense at all. Why would reason change it now?

And then, I think there are people that feel they have to believe certain
things about LGBTs because those beliefs are part of a larger set of beliefs
that all need to be held in order for them to have access to heaven and
supernatural benefits here on earth.

So arguing with these people about specific hot button issues sets off
all sorts of negative emotional reactions because it threatens the worthiness
of their very identity (ego) ("I am a man. I am straight. Men are straight. I am
good and correct. He is a man. He is gay.." *DOES NOT COMPUTE* *THIS IS A
THREAT TO MY GOODNESS AND CORRECTNESS AND WORTHINESS OF
ACCEPTANCE* *NEGATIVE EMOTIONAL REACTION*) and their perceived
access to supernatural goodies.

If I challenge their beliefs, it's as if I were to swipe $20 out of their hand
and run off with it. They would be angry and upset with me. They lose perceived
value when they lose their beliefs about themselves.

And then there's the problem that their beliefs about their own identity and
their religious beliefs are what entitle them to being accepted by their
group of likeminded friends. To have a different identity and different
religious beliefs would likely lead to social rejection on one level or another.
And, in terms of evolutionary psychology, we are wired to avoid this.

Most people will choose to come up with idiotic rationalizations in order to keep
the beliefs that allow for social inclusion.

So I don't think that a frontal assault on their beliefs will work.

I think a passive strategy of not attacking their beleifs/ego and just being
non-judgemental and accepting is best. That way if they start judging and hating,
they just look like hateful assholes and the victim looks like a saint.
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