In a poll conducted in 2008, the survey found that Americans were tolerant of religions. Yet, in October 2008, several Missouri middle school students at Parkway West Middle School organized an unofficial "spirit week" which included a "Hit a Jew Day." During the school day, 35 Jewish students became targets of slaps and pokes and taps. In New City, a Jewish man is beaten for a Chanukah greeting and in Miami, the newspapers recently read Jewish teacher attacked in Miami. Check out the above links and the below videos.
Are we really tolerant of other religions? If so, why do we often end up debating religious issues/beliefs with others? Why do we become so passionate and angry? Share your thoughts.
After reading the above links and watching the the 2 clips, I am amazed. I think our society isn't that tolerant. In the 2nd video, the man who ended up saving the man being beat up was a muslim, and it was said in the video that muslims are often described as being the "terrorists" or of them being the hateful ones towards others. If tolerance is someone slapping a person of a certain religion and beating up a man for saying "Happy Hanuka" to a group of devout Christians, then I don't know what tolerance truly is. Our society needs to change, and we are the only ones who can change it.
ReplyDeleteSociety probably debates religious issues because individuals think that what they are worshiping and believing is the only true "right" religion. When someone tells a Christian there isn't a God, that Christian is going to be offended and go off on a rampage of reasons why there is a God, and the non-believer is going to talk about scientific reasons why man is not created from God. Every person believes what their religion preaches, and when someone tells us what we are believing is wrong, then we get defensive.
When first reading the paragraph about "Hit A Jew Day", I laughed at the slight chance that a Missouri middle school created it. But, after I did a little research of my own, I was astonished. In my opinion, that is completely unacceptable. No one can persuade me to believe the teachers did not have an influence on the kids. Come on, 6th graders? In 6th grade, I probably didn't even know what Judaism was! Much less the people who believed in it. (I don't know if the link is right, but here goes nothing.) Here's the code for the article on KDSK if anyone wants to see it.
ReplyDeleteStudents in Trouble after Classmate Slapped for 'Hit a Jew' Day
Agreeing with Alexes, I don't think we as Americans, are tolerent of religions like Islam and Judaism. We say "Land of the free" and people coming from other countries think "...maybe I'll finally be able to have a genuine like in America", but in the videos above is the things a lot of people fear when coming over to America. I think we tolerate of what we're used to. Religions we know about and have accepted. After I watched the second video about the supposed "War on Christmas" I think it's sad that a Muslim man took on the responsibility to help some strange Jew on a subway. It's sad that it happened in the first place. "Liberty and justice for all" means nothing at all for some Americans. What will have to happen for these people who intentionally target those who believe in a different faith to realize that they are the same. Would it be different if a group of Muslims ganged up on a lonely Christian man or woman on the subway? Of course it would be. In my eyes, that is a dang shame.
I agree with Alexes; our society needs to change, and what really is tolerance? I watched both the video clips and read the "Hit a Jew Day" article, and was deeply bothered by what I saw. First of all, where do kids get the idea to zone in on a religion, and make a school spirit day about it? Secondly, what makes your religion so much better than everyone else's to the point you hurt someone who is just saying their beliefs in the form of "Happy Hanukkah"? And thirdly, no matter what your religion happens to be, wouldn't beating up an innocent man be on the list of wrongs? Obviously, we have some things in our society that need correction.
ReplyDeleteI think we end up clashing and debating about different religions because they are coined "strange and out of people's comfort zone" from a very young age. Kids are taught their own religion from childhood, and some are even privately schooled within their own religion. How would these kids ever learn about other religions and cultures if they stay isolated in their own little groups? How do they not think that other religions are strange and foreign to them if they are kept with people who think the same as them, and are never exposed to what else is out there?
I think people get passionate and angry about their religion because people really just can't stand being wrong about things. It provides a self confidence and high self-esteem if you go around thinking you are right about everything. Many people don't even consider other beliefs, or have enough people skills to even hear another belief, and not necessarily agree with it, but tollerate it.
So all in all, I have changed my views; tollerance is prevalent, but if we still have random outbreaks like this, it won't matter how tollerant we are if we can't stop these from happening in the first place. Something needs to be done.
I, as others have said, thought America was a pretty tolerant place. And I think the reason many people debate beliefs is because our religion is very important to us. And we're passionate people. But unfortunately, that passion sometimes turns to hate, as with these cases. We get so focused on being right that we forget what our religion is really about, and why we believe it. Beliefs are very important things to have, but that doesn't mean we don't care about those who don't believe the same as we do.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the media also loves to highlight these hate crimes. And it's awful that these things even happen. But America as a whole, I believe, is a pretty tolerant place. Especially when you compare it to other places. And beliefs are very important to have, but instead of hating those who are and believe differently, we should treat them with care and love, like our religions teach us to do. Tolerance starts with yourself, so what we all need to do is simply accept those around us, and hope that others can do the same.
I think that we as people upon this earth want to believe that we are tolerant to other people's religious views, but when we look back on our actions, are all of us truly 100% tolerant? I can honestly say that I'm not. It all depends on what you believe in. No one wants to be told that they are wrong about their faith. It hurts, especially when a person has been raised up to believe a certain way all their life. When looking at the links and the videos that were posted, I couldn't help but wonder if this type of religious intolerance will ever cease. I decided to do a little research of my own: http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2009/0507/p09s01-coop.html
ReplyDeleteThis link is about worldwide religious bullying. For me, this is a very sensitive subject. When reading about the "Hit A Jew Day", people should really start to look at themselves and the people in their surroundings and ask, "Are we truly tolerant?" And for me, the answer is no. Us people are very passionate about what we believe in and we stick to it. Yes, we show tolerance to other religions on the outside, but on the inside, we say to ourselves that what they believe isn't correct or is "wrong" when compared to our own beliefs. When you think of America as a whole, like Sara states, it seems pretty tolerant when it all comes down to religious diversity, but what about the places within America? What about the hundreds of thousands schools and abundances of cities and towns, are they tolerant? The answer to that question is in the blog post itself. Yes, we may be more tolerant to other foreign religions around the world than other countries, but we still have the problem of religious intolerance within. It goes back to me stating that we are tolerant on the outside, but not fully tolerant on the inside. That is like America. If only we could all bring the outside in.
After reading these links and watching the videos, I was appalled. America is supposed to be "The land of the Free!" We are all supposed to accept others, and allow them to feel safe in their own religious worshiping! It’s crazy how a man on a subway could be beat up, and the only man to rescue him is the "bad" Muslim. Why did that happen! People couldn’t get up and help the man? Or how Teachers could sit and ALLOW sixth grade students to go around hitting Jewish children! It’s crazy!
ReplyDeleteWe aren’t tolerant of other religions; I can see that now, and it makes me sad. A man can’t even walk home from his job without being mugged for his beliefs. Children can’t go to school due to bullying or being slapped. A man can’t even ride a subway possibly FULL of other riders, without being defended. It makes me sick. What would Christians do if the Jewish, Muslim, or Hindu , all tag teamed up, and displayed the same "tolerance" to us? I wonder?
After reading and watching these videos, I am appalled. In regarding the unofficial spirit week, it really saddens me that young children could have so much hatred and disresepct for another group of people. Do I really think we have tolerance for other religions, especially after watching these clips? No, not really. I mean, the underlying spirit of most religions is the "I'm right, your wrong" mentality. You wouldn't believe in something if you didn't think that it was correct. Tolerance needs to be a larger part of everyone's lives. You don't have to agree with everyone, but obviously Americans need to learn resepct for other belief systems. We debate with other people about religion for the sole purpose of being right. Almost anyone with a strong faith will argue their point to no end, and nothing can really change their point of view. Tolerance and acceptance are easier said than done, and we have to work on not getting angry and worked up when someone differs in opinions. These clips really opened my eyes to the hatred and prejudice going on in America today.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so these articles and videos are pretty surprising to read and watch. Obviously this stuff is horrible and intolerant, but on the other hand, I think you need to take everything into consideration. I mean, the people that attacked all these Jews are individuals who obviously have some problems. They don't represent by any stretch of the imagination the vast majority of the American public. Reading a few paragraphs about people getting beaten up in Miami and New York for being Jewish doesn't in any way change my mind and make me think we're such an intolerant country. Hate crimes happen everywhere, in all parts of the world. Miami and New York are huge metropolitan areas. There's going to be a few hate-instilled whack jobs out there.
ReplyDeleteThe article about the kids at Parkway West is the most compelling piece posted on here. I really don't know what to think about that one. I think like Savannah on this one. I'm kinda dumbfounded. I think that was probably just a couple of misguided sixth graders who thought they were making a funny joke and the other kids in a classic attempt to fit in, just jumped on the band wagon not realizing the real impact they were making on the Jewish kids.
People get all worked up about this stuff a lot, but seriously, look at a place like Israel and Palestine where people get killed everyday because of their faith. When you put America into context with other parts of the world we look pretty tolerant to me.
Okay, these videos and articles are surprising, but at the same time they aren't. As Nicole said we have always viewed America as the melting pot. I still think America is; we just have a few things that a newer to the pot than others, so people are still getting used to living with some things. Everyone has been saying America isn't tolerant at all because we just watched video clips of some bad things that have happened in the past few years. I believe America is half tolerant. We have a lot to work on, that's for sure. But just because these people chose to hit people for religious beliefs doesn't mean that everyone or even the majority of people would do it.
ReplyDeleteWe debate our reliogions because they are taught to us from birth until the day we die, and they are the subject that a lot of people have different views on. We debate when we don't agree on anything; it isn't only religious subjects. Our passion comes from caring so deeply about what we believe. The passion should not turn into anger, but we are human beings and we get excited about the subject because it comes up in so many daily lives.
Hit a Jew Day? Really? The Jewish guy that wished someone a Happy Hanukkah being blamed for "killing Jesus"? REALLY? Come on now. That's like an African-American man blaming a white man for slavery. It was a bad thing, but you can't blame the present for what happened in the past.
ReplyDeleteThings like this give Americans a bad name, and I see why many other countries stereotype us in a negative way, however, I do like the point Taylor is making. Hate crimes are EVERYWHERE. At least here it's illegal to beat or shoot someone because you don't agree with their beliefs. In all honesty, you can't say the same thing about certain other countries.
The things people decide to discriminate against, though... I don't understand it. And the events that set them off? Dude, no. The Jewish man got beat up for wishing someone well on his holiday after a couple of Christians had done the same thing. That would be like me assaulting someone because they wished me a Merry Christmas. I have much more to say, however, that would take up a great length of the page, and I try to leave my bias against religion out of it... sometimes. X3
Specifically regarding the Parkway West incident, I have questions... Why did "Hit a Jew" day come from "Hug a Friend" day and "High-Five a friend" day? I don't understand. It didn't mention any other of the days in this unofficial spirit week either.
To be honest this does not surprise me very much. It is a known fact that yes we may be the melting pot, but we as a nation are not tolerant of others. It started with slavery and even though many have tried to help it prejudiceness is still occuring. These are just more examples. I feel it is very sad that these things are allowed. We should try and be free and be loving towards everyone. I just dont see that happening anywhere. Some adults ridicule and/or harm people for what they believe or what they look like while others stand and watch, too afraid or uncaring to do anything about it. In turn their children learn these same habits and the cycle repeats itself.
ReplyDeleteThe nation and its people have grown and changed in some ways overcoming some huge obstacles. But, as we continue to develop and we are introduced to new ways of life its easy for people to fall into old habits and be unaccepting to anything new. Ignoring it makes life "more simple."
Also, we are all different and have different personalities such as Bill O'reily. Hr is very outspoken and debates hugely and some things such as Christmas. i think he along with many other people want to know they are right. They have a closed mind and want to believe only what they know and are determined to put down anything that is different. when you get two people like this with very opposite veiw points its likely to see much anger. frustration on both sides occurs because neither one is getting what they want, to be right. We are a new generation lets take another step and do what our older generations failed to do, put aside the childish wants for power and learn to be a human being. Learn to accept, learn to love, learn to be a friend. Then we can put those together and try and be aa tolerant society.
How can I respond to this question? What can I add that hasn't been already said by atleast three people before me?
ReplyDeleteAmerica is not a tolerant place. The world is not a tolerant place. Since the very beginning of time, we the people have hated those who are different from us and that which we do not understand. It's in our blood. People, as a whole, are insecure. We're afraid of being wrong, and we're afraid of change. When someone with different looks or different beliefs comes along, we lash out at them because we feel threatened by them. They aren't us. Therefore, they must be wrong, right? And isn't it our god-given duty to make them see the light? Isn't it our purpose to save them from damnation by showing them the "true way, the "right" way--our way? And, if they refuse to accept our way, what business do they have being around us? Don't we have the right to drive them away, for fear that their "wrong"ideas will pollute our minds and the minds of our youth?
To me, an established heathen,religion is a very silly thing to argue about, because there is no concrete proof for anything. Why fight over something we can't see? But that's the way of the world. I guess, as a civilization, we just need something to argue about.
After reading the articles and watching the clips, it still amazes me at how intolerant of a nation we truly are. We refer to ourselves as a melting pot, even though most of the people in America have secret prejudices toward some kind of religion or race. One thing that i think ties into this, is how none of us really want to have to conform to anything that isn't normal to us. Most people see someone that is clearly different than them, like the Jews, and wonder why they're even here. Of course, anyone who makes this statement must not believe in America being a melting pot. In these stories and clips, it seems to be more out of hate, the things they do. I can't truly understand why someone would want to harm another person just because of what they look like; seems pretty shallow if u ask me.
ReplyDeleteIn agreement with what Nixi said, it seems like everyone wants to fight something or someone. Everyone wants to be the man on top, whether you have to take down others on the way there or not. It seems like only one person can truly be right, and we do whatever it takes to be that person. When you think about it, mankind can sometimes be a little twisted with the decisions we make. As a society, I think being more tolerant of other cultures is one thing that we really need to work on.
The sad thing about all these research and links is that I'm not entirely suprised at people's actions. I mean, when I first read about "Hit a Jew Day", I was angry and sad that our world is so full of hate and cruelty but when I really thought about the subject, this isn't half of cruelty in Amercia and if we really take a close look, I am sure this happens in other countries as well. For example, I could sit on my school bus or walk in the hallway for 5 minutes and hear several racist or religion (especially Judism for some reason) jokes by my less mature peers; and this is only high school. There is a world full of crazy people or kids like at our school who believe anyone different than them is wrong/bad/not right.
ReplyDeleteI think part of the reason there are people like that out there is because it is human to criticize people for their differences. However, the reason we don't have 6 billion people running around hitting each other is because most mature/sane/kind people acknowledge the differences of others but let those people live their "different" lives. These other people we read about don't seem to have this "filter" and take these differences as some unspoken act of war and they feel the need to protect themselves from these "evils". I also think these people act so horribly is because we are taught, sometimes directly, sometimes undirectly, that other/different people are not in the same league as you. Take the middle schoolers who came up with the idea of "Hit a Jew Day". As other people said, these little kids can't get such strong emotions against a religion, even if they do have natural human thoughts about people who are different. These kids had to get these ideas somewhere, and I believe it was from the adults around them. The adults said they didn't believe the slaps were prudice. That really got me because it showed me that ignorance really is bliss. These adults want to pretend that their kids aren't Jew haters and that they didn't raise them like this but I'm sure they did. Maybe not directly but they had to have given some kind of signals towards this subject. Another examples of young people getting ideas from others could be the kids on the bus/in the hallways. Signals of prejudism can come from anywhere in any shape or form.
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ReplyDeleteWhen looking over the videos I was very angry and really can’t blame anyone with out it tying back to me in a way. No, I don’t go out and look for someone to beat-up for who they are or what they are wearing or who they are praying to, but on a lesser scale I do judge other people. No one can call themselves innocent because we all at one point there was someone we thought was below our standards.
ReplyDeleteWhen talking abut the debates I think its for power and as thick headed American citizens we always HAVE to be right. People get so worked up about other religions because it’s a way to show who is better than the other. When it comes down to the heart of the fight it really may not about the religion but the power behind winning the fight for their group.
Personally I think the thought of fighting about something that is supposed to be holy or good is somewhat crazy. Really if you think about it we go to church to pray and have our sins forgiven and outside of church our goal is to think about our actions and how it would please our God. If I was a goddess and saw my followers fight about any other religion I wouldn’t be too happy, and assuming treat others as you would like to be treated is a general rule of thumb, I don’t think the real God’s would be pleased either.
I don't necessarily think we can judge America as a whole as being either intolerant or tolerant. There is always going to be a mixture of intolerant people, like the people who beat up the jewish man, or tolerant people like the muslim who helped out the jewish man on the train. Though the links were shocking and upsetting, it doesn't mean that everyone is intolerant like that. It just shows that the media picked up on the intolerance and wanted to raise awareness.
ReplyDeletePeople debate about religion and become defensive because usually a person has been raised to believe certain aspects of a religion. They believe their religion, and their religion alone, is right. When an athiest or someone who has different beliefs comes along and tries to tell them that what they have been taught all their life isn't true, it would make someone upset. It's just a matter of wanting to prove someone wrong and wanting to be right.
After reading the three links and watching the two videos, my conclusion is no. No we are not tolerant even though we paint ourselves as being a "Melting Pot" in America. With the first link i don't know what they were thinking. I dont think you can poll a religion because there are so many depths of one little sect. By using the word "Christian" that can have a million different connotations and a billion different reasons to back up that opinion. So when they say "In a poll conducted in 2008, the survey found that Americans were tolerant of religions. Yet, in October 2008, several Missouri middle school students at Parkway West Middle School organized an unofficial "spirit week" which included a "Hit a Jew Day." They shouldn't be suprised because the survey was very vague. When I was reading the "Hit a Jew Day" article I was ashamed of what I read. It really hits-it-on-the-head when it comes to how cruel and intolerant kids can be. The last link really made me think. I have come up with many different scenarios and each one ends the same way. Though I can see why the man might assume that he is being attacked because of his religion, it could have been anyone. What is a Christian man wouldve been walking down that same street? If someone is going to do a nasty act, they will do it. I think it might just be one of those wrong place, wrong time, ones. The second video was an eye opener. It showed how you can be prejudice without being concious about it. The news guy probably was sitting there thinking... "how can I pick on a certain religion today?" I think he was just doing his job and creating a controversial topic to talk about. Although not intentional, its is still adding to the way people think of Jews. If they dont want to sell christmas displays that is in their right. Is it really that much different than Walmart not selling skullcaps? NO! The coincidence of the young man being attacked was horrific. I think every witness should be ashamed to just stand by and not help. It's not like he was hurting anyone. He simply was wishing them a goodtime. The fact that the hero was a muslim says a lot about character. I think people are missing what religion (ideally) is supposed to create. Religion is what tells us what is right and what is wrong. It establishes our morals and gives us our ethics. What makes the muslim and the christian standbyers *sp, different? The answer is the Muslim is actually embracing his faith and doing what he knows is right. Now I'm not saying that the Christians are bad people; I know i have stood by before when I should jumped in. But what I am saying is that before we go and judge someone different, lets take a look at ourselves first.
ReplyDeleteline 17: supposed to be "if" instead of "is"
ReplyDeleteline 22: supposed to be "wasn't" instead of "was"
after reading the articles and seeing the videos I still can't say that i think we are/aren't tolerant of other religions. Saying that a nation is intolerant of others is like saying that Americans like pepperoni pizza. There is no single answer. Also, we have to remember that the news is like a teenage girl. They love drama and despair. You're not going to get a balance of good and bad news, because more people want to hear about rape than sweety pie Johnny who helped get a cat out of a tree.
ReplyDeleteWe debate this so much because that (whatever it is,) is our religion. In many people, religion is the most important thing we have, so why not be passionate about it?
After watching these videos, I've made more opinions about the Jewish culture, as well as Americans in general. If debating religious views is a form of intolerance, then I would have to say that every single person in America is intolerant to other cultures, even if it is in the slightest way. Everyone has a religion, whether it be Chritian, Agnostic, Jewish, Muslim, or Athiest, we all believe in what our religion values. When we talk about or simply compare our religion to another religion, we are stating that our religion IS the right thing to believe. Most of us do not mean to harm anyone, but the ones who do are the people who should be labeled INTOLERANT. As for the people who respect other cultures, they are tolerant people even though they may have extremely strong beliefs. Those who go out of their way to hurt people with a different culture or religion is a definition of an intolerent being. For the most part, I don't think our society could ever change or ever will--that's just the way the world is. There is good and bad, light and dark, and there is no way to undo this balance of nature. And once again, I believe the reason that people become so angry and passionate is because they love the culture and the way they live their life. There's nothing wrong believing your religion is the right one, people just should not express it in an awful manner to others. Agreeing with Alexa, kids are coined to believe in what their parents do from the day they are born, but again, that's just how it is. It would be very hard for kids to form their own opinions differently from their own flesh and blood. As for the middle schoolers, they're kids, they're immature, they're naive, and guess what--they'll grow up. If I went to that school I would definitely pinch or poke my Jewish friends. I got the impression that their spirit week was simply in good fun. It din't say anywhere that anyone was hurt, did it? I also do not understand why people would be mad at Bill O'Reily when all he asked was for Jews to acknowledge Christmas as Christians should acknowledge Hannukah. He was not the one who beat a guy up for expressing his religion. And as for Hassan (Muslim who save Jews from Christians on a train)... kind, tolerant, and a hero.
ReplyDeleteAfter a little research, my opinion on the America tolerant-or-not issue is mostly. There will always be extremists, and the media will always capitalize on them, most of the time turning the extremists into the stereo type for that group of people. Sadly, this will be the only view of this group of people a person will see, and then said person may hate said group of people. Thus an intolerant is born; and this is only one of the ways someone can become intolerant. Fortunately, there seem to be more mostly tolerant then intolerant people in America.
ReplyDeleteAmerica, as a people, likes to believe America is tolerant, but the sad truth is not entirely. I can't say America is completely tolerant, just as i can't say she is completely intolerant. Honestly it depends on your part of America, whether you think she is tolerant or not.
To answer the second question, i have to steal from previous commenters/pretend all i have to say on the matter hasn't already been said. There are several reasons why we are such pig-headed fools who always have to be right. First, because we always have to be right, we are plum scared of being wrong. then there's the we're scared of change, as well as anything different than us. We have been this way since the bubonic plague outbreak way-back-when, where Jews were persecuted because since they had different beliefs, they must have been the reason everyone was dying, not 'cause of something silly like germs. There are probably more reasons, but i can't think of them at this time. We are simply passionate people.One thing we are passionate about is religion, and this leads to more trouble than it should.
I would say that America as a whole has not the slightest bit of tolerance, but this is coming from a person who is always being targeted. If America was tolerant, then there wouldn't be people pushing Christmas on a different faith. We would be all for having Hanuka displays in Jewish run stores. My mother worked at a Jewish company for nine years and they could never advertise an event in the newspaper out of fear that someone might do something irrational.
ReplyDeleteThe second video was kind of like a light bulb going on, or like a wake-up call for America. As a Christian you're supposed to live by God, blah blah blah, yet in Christian America people can't find in themselves to try to understand that everyone is different and doesn't believe in everything that they do. Even the fact that everyone has the opinion that Muslims are terrorists yet they have to do something that any American SHOULD do, to have that label taken off of them.
Humans are passionate creatures. If we find something that we care about, we will do what it takes to stand behind it, even if it means that someone else has to suffer for our actions. That's just how we are. I feel like we debate these issues just to get more people to see what we see or just sway their opinions of a certain religion. All in all, if someone came up to me and asked me if America was tolerant of religion I would have to just laugh. I think it's almost absurd that the question would have to be asked. The answer is right in front of our faces!
I'm torn on whether or not we are tolerant towards other religions. Like Taylor said we can't base tolerance on the few hate acts that these links show. But it really opened my eyes to see that even sixth graders, would even have such religious hate towards Jews.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think we get so caught up in trying to show our belief in God and how our country is dominately Christian, we don't even realize what we are doing. Does it say anywhere, in any religion that violence against others is okay? NO. I think sometimes we like to imagine the idea that we're a melting pot instead of really embracing it. But to call us intolerant, isn't correct either but we have a long way to go until every religion is going to be accepted.
I'm so disappointed in our society sometimes. We were once called the melting pot of cultures right? So what happened, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and religion. It doesn't make sense to attack innocent civilians over their relgion. Violence accomplishes nothing when you disagree. The man in the video was just another man living his life, he had a family and a job like many in our country but because he's jewish he was beaten severely because he wasn't the same as his attackers, enough is enough. Our society needs to re-evaluate the meaning of tolerance and then put it into action. Living in angry ignorance clearly isn't moving us forward but its bringing us as country down.
ReplyDeleteI also found it ironic in how poorly Muslims are portrayed but yet one muslim on a train full of americans was the only one to save a man and his friends.
To be honest, before watching these videos, I was living in my world of optimism and peace and believed that there was a lot of tolerance for other religions. HA! I sure was wrong. These articles just anger me, and make me feel embarrassed. I, myself am a Christian and I would never do any of these things. This is ridiculous and pathetic. I don't understand why we feel the need to judge anybody that's different. Whatever happened to 'being yourself' and being 'unique'? Well gee, I'd be a little afraid to be myself too if I was going to be hospitalized for who I am. I'm really with Jessie on her point that a man was beaten for wishing someone a happy holiday...just in his own way. The lack of tolerance is not only sad, but it's scary. It makes you wonder if you're going to be a victim of a hate crime for your beliefs.
ReplyDeleteAs for why we become so passionate and angry...well, I really think that's on an individual basis. For the most part, I try to stay out of religious arguments. I may state what I believe, but I'll listen to what you believe. I'm not going to sit there and tell you what you need to believe. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. With that, though, I feel like all over the world you grow up with the sense that you have to be right. Which may be the cause of religious debates. Reading these articles and watching these videos has just made me want to spread the word about tolerance, and maybe next time one of us hears a Jewish joke, we'll defend these people, just as the Muslim man defended the Jewish people on the bus.
I agree with Taylor. Yes those people were intolerant but these are only a few stories from all over America. I feel like America is one of the most religiously tolerant countries, all different religious come here for that freedom. Hate crimes towards religions aren't as prevelent as is in the rest of the world, such as Holy Land. Everybody has a right to an opinion in America, and O'Reily does just that. It's religious intolerance because they aren't forcing them to believe in anything religious, just the fact that Christmas is a federal holiday.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, the "Hit a Jew Day," was completely inappropiate. In no way is touching, tapping, or hitting someone okay even if the instigators thought that it was just a joke. It's the definition of bullying and was a just punishment. In schools it a habit to say "You're such a Jew," or "That's gay," it's almost never intended to be hateful; it's just something to say, but taking it to the next step of hurting someone is unacceptable, it's immoral, but most of all it's illegal. I feel like America is a tolerant country today, but this psychological thinking that others aren't as good you in the youth of America makes me think that the future may be drastically different.
WoW! This is some really sad and tragic information. "Hit a Jew day" really! People must have nothing else better to do with their time. It may have started with some sixth graders but the real issue is who and what children, America's future, get these ridiculous ideas from. I agree with Asyntha, we really need to take a look in the mirror because sometimes we're being a huge influence on others especially unintentionally. We also need to take in consideration of how the other person feels. If you are a blonde it would drive you crazy if someone made a "Pull a blonde's hair day" or something else extreamly ridiculous like that.
ReplyDeleteAleaya also made a good point. Being ignorant is a definite no no. Ignorat words can do more than just hurt people's feelings it can destroy an enitre community.
We are not perfect, yes. Not everyone can go from the darkness and suddenly see the light of corse. That would just be plain weird. However, everyone is capable of change and being religously tolerant. It's all about hanging up that prejudice coat and kicking the "Me monster"(it's all about me and only me) out the door.
I love America, so it's a shame that an innocent Jewish man can't enjoy himself at the beach without being picked out as a Jew and ruthlessly beaten to a pulp. Shame, shame, shame! How RIDICULOUS is it that a man like him has to look over his shoulder as he goes home all because he's a Jew? Well it's pretty darn OUTRAGEOUS!
I'm not just talking about Jewish people here, I'm talking about any person from any race or background. It's sad that they have to keep one eye open as they go to sleep at night.
Shame, shame, shame again.
Man I'm getting angry just thinking about it, so I'm going to stop writing before I explode.
But first, here's some good questions you should think about and hopefully you're answers will challange youself.
1. IF you were Jewish, would you keep your identity secret or continue to articulate your religon regardless of it's dangers?
2. If you had been attacked like the Jewish man would you purchase a weapon as protection even if it went against your religon?
3. How would you go against children like those who created "Hit a Jew Day" to protect others?
WoW! This is some really sad and tragic information. "Hit a Jew day" really! People must have nothing else better to do with their time. It may have started with some sixth graders but the real issue is who and what children, America's future, get these ridiculous ideas from. I agree with Asyntha, we really need to take a look in the mirror because sometimes we're being a huge influence on others especially unintentionally. We also need to take in consideration of how the other person feels. If you are a blonde it would drive you crazy if someone made a "Pull a blonde's hair day" or something else extreamly ridiculous like that.
ReplyDeleteAleaya also made a good point. Being ignorant is a definite no no. Ignorat words can do more than just hurt people's feelings it can destroy an enitre community.
We are not perfect, yes. Not everyone can go from the darkness and suddenly see the light of corse. That would just be plain weird. However, everyone is capable of change and being religously tolerant. It's all about hanging up that prejudice coat and kicking the "Me monster"(it's all about me and only me) out the door.
I love America, so it's a shame that an innocent Jewish man can't enjoy himself at the beach without being picked out as a Jew and ruthlessly beaten to a pulp. Shame, shame, shame! How RIDICULOUS is it that a man like him has to look over his shoulder as he goes home all because he's a Jew? Well it's pretty darn OUTRAGEOUS!
I'm not just talking about Jewish people here, I'm talking about any person from any race or background. It's sad that they have to keep one eye open as they go to sleep at night.
Shame, shame, shame again.
Man I'm getting angry just thinking about it, so I'm going to stop writing before I explode.
But first, here's some good questions you should think about and hopefully you're answers will challange youself.
1. IF you were Jewish, would you keep your identity secret or continue to articulate your religon regardless of it's dangers?
2. If you had been attacked like the Jewish man would you purchase a weapon as protection even if it went against your religon?
3. How would you go against children like those who created "Hit a Jew Day" to protect others?
Man! It posted twice again, oops. Stupid computer.
ReplyDeleteI'm upset after reading this but part of me isnt shocked. I agree with Taylor saying that these few incidents dont reflect all of Amercia. All societies, cultures, religions, and countries have their own insane extremes. I cant really say whether I believe America is tolerant or intolerant, I dont know enough information on both sides. I would like to say that we are becuase were suppose to be the melting pot, and no one is really "American" but there is definitely people who believe they are superior to others because of their caucasion race here. I think we have arguments and debates over topics because everyone has an opinon and its human nature to try and persuade someone into thinking we are right. I think media plays a big role in our thinking and perspective with cartoons and movies that make fun of Jews or other religions tell us its okay. And to some of our societies extremes may even provoke people into to do thngs that we just read and watched about. I think are society is just limited and ignorant to certain ideas and what is unknown and different tous is weird, scar, and can be viewed as a threat.
ReplyDeleteOur soceity is not tolerant. People of different religions are ridiculed by others and have ridiculed others. In the link above, Christians, who believe in being a good Samaritan, had beaten a man for wishing them a happy Hannukuh because of his religion.(I'd like to point out that Christianity stemmed from Jewish traditions.)
ReplyDeleteEveryone wants to be right. I'm right, you're wrong philosophy. My religion is right, yours is wrong. We often contribute in heated debates, in which we defend our own religion. That's because no wants to have wasted their life in believing something that's false.
I wonder, is tolerance really that difficult?
"It's funny, that here in America, it's happened." I would like to inform you that America sucks.
ReplyDeleteIt suuccckkkkssssssss. I wish I had some italics. Maybe have some bold going on. Because I want to emphasize this point: No one likes us for a reason. Being the 'land of opportunities' has turned into just a title; a title that has gotten to everyone's heads. They think as Americans, they have something they have to stand for. They take in immigrants. They give them jobs. They have oppurtunities. Some Americans think, 'Hey, I was born here. I'm part of the main religon here. America may be the melting pot,
but I'm the prominent ingredient.'
Tolerance is something of a chore at times. Think of school. You don't have to tolerate anyone. Come on, you talk behind someone's back. Made fun of someone's outfit. Didn't like the way they talked, the people they talked to, the way that they act. And you in turn have to walk on eggshells hoping someone will like you. I'm thinking that's how people of other religons feel all the time. Like they're confined to a world of high school status where if the populars don't like you and you can't band with another group; you're freaking screwed.
Maybe other Americans feel if someone's all "Hello good sir, Happy Hanukkah to you." Then they feel the right to be like, "Uh, dude. W.T.Heck is Hanukkah? You mean Christmas, you Jew? Let me beat the Santa spirit into you!"
Yeah. Nice.
What I'm trying to say is that, like our previous discussions had highlighted, Americans think they are superior. At birth we're given some divine right that just puts us on top and then taught a religon that sets your spot in society. The mentality of, 'This may be The Land of Opportunity. But it's also The Luck of the Draw." And us Americans are handed the golden ticket. Some Americans think 'my house, my rules'. This is my country. What makes you think I have to tolerate you? Our society thinks that tolerance for the other people, our buddying ingredients in this unstably proportioned pot, is something like the cherry on top. You don't need it.
You don't even want it.
Most of us Americans would like to think of our country as a tolerant and accepting place. Were suppose to be a county where everyone is given the freedom to say what they feel and believe what they want, yet after watching the videos and reading the articles America doesn’t seem to be that place. I think most of us can agree that America isn’t as tolerant as we would like it to be. I can personally say that I don’t believe our country as tolerant of other religions as we think.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s understandable that people would feel passionate and angry while discussing the topic of religion. Like Nila said you’re not going to believe in something if you aren’t convinced it’s correct. And I think religious debates can be okay when it’s respectful and under control, but religious arguments can go too far. I feel that some people in our country try to shove their religion down other people’s throat like the video above about Bill O’Reilly. I think that’s where the intolerance begins, if you are a strong believer of your religion, that’s great! But there is no need to rudely shove it in everyone else’s face. If we can just learn to understand that everyone is going to have different beliefs and that it’s okay I think that America could become more tolerant.