LETTER: Line being blurred between prejudice and opinion
The definition of prejudice is “Preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience.” Therefore, a person can disapprove of a policy or action of our president without being a racist (prejudiced against all blacks).
But the line between prejudice and thoughtful opinion in this country is being “blurred” by the ideologues. In addition to “blurring the line” in the above example, consider these:
•Is a person who sees waste and corruption in the welfare system prejudiced against blacks?
•Is a person who supports the notion that a man can possibly be paid more than a woman if he does a better job and brings more value to the company (and who, by the way, also believes the opposite) prejudiced against women?
•Is a person who is anti-abortion prejudiced against women?
•Is a person who doesn’t believe in gay marriage, but supports the rights of gays to do so if they choose, prejudiced against gays?
•Is a person who doesn’t believe in Sharia law prejudiced against Muslims?
•Is a person who thinks that English should be the first language of our country prejudiced against immigrants?
There are scores of other questions that can be added to these.
It is convenient to label those who don’t agree with you as “racist,, “sexist” or any other term for prejudice. It is one reason why it is becoming increasingly difficult to have a productive exchange of opinions. It has become a polarizing factor in the ability of people to respect the views of others.
It is making us angrier at each other and that can never be good.