Tags
equal, equality, fair, fairness, hypocritical, intolerance, tolerance, truth
In this country, we are supposed to have certain rights and freedoms. Many have sacrificed everything to ensure that we were given and could maintain those rights and freedoms. In today’s society, I think the meaning of “freedom” has been forgotten so that some may try to coerce their will onto others. The definition of freedom is, “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.”
You need to look no further than main stream media and social media platforms to see how freedom of opinion is being stifled under the misguided ruse of tolerance. No one is supposed to have an opinion or belief unless it is politically correct and agrees with some self-righteous person who wants to champion a cause. To keep it simple, when you are telling someone that they cannot hold an opinion, you are trying to “restrain” their freedom. You are using intolerance to guilt them into sharing your beliefs and opinions, thus trying to remove their “freedom.”
An opinion, is just that, a “view on a subject that is not necessarily based on fact or personal knowledge.” Some opinions can be right, some can be wrong, but it is everyone’s right and freedom to hold their own opinion without being hindered. When you purposely try to impact someone’s life and well-being to force a change in their views, then you are yourself practicing intolerance.
Tolerance is “the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.” Basically what that means is that if you are a tolerant person, you will accept that not everyone will hold your same opinions and beliefs. It most definitely does not mean start an online crusade to cripple their livelihood or life. Why? Because that is hindering their freedom to think as they choose.
Which brings me to equality. Equality is what the crowds are yelling for, all the while showing intolerance to those that do not agree with them. Things most definitely are not equal among races or even among different lifestyles. All I can do here is share my opinion, and yes, I am still permitted to have my own opinion. That being said, I have no problem with someone else that is different than me because my beliefs are for my life, no one else.
Equality is “the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.” First of all, I don’t think this has ever actually been a reality in the United States or anywhere else for that matter. Second, the government should not, nor should a business entity, be reducing rights to anyone because of outdated notions or some personal agenda. On the flip side, if a business owner wants to refuse service to someone because he disagrees with their beliefs or whatever cause, then that is his right to do. The person targeted by that can also choose not to give their business to them. That is what freedom is about. It is not about railroading everyone who disagrees with someone because of their differences.
Tolerance, equality, freedom, and opinions are all words that have lost their true definitions. They have become twisted notions of some to bend the world we all must live on, to their vision of what it should be. Punishing someone for not being like you is not a crusade of tolerance, it is the epitome of intolerance, and a shining example of being hypocritical .
Accept that everyone is going to be different. Stop getting offended at every little thing that you do not like. Enjoy the freedom to be who you are while allowing the same freedom to others that may disagree with you. Be tolerant of those that you disagree with. If equality is what is wanted, then everyone must accept the differences and learn to live your life instead of rallying against the rights and freedoms of others. In the end, it is what you do in your life that matters.