via a bit of a roundabout way, here is a piece by harvey fierstein from last weekend's ny times. he comments on the unpredictability of public and media response to a variety of recent incidents of prejudice. do read the whole thing!
wherever you may position yourself on the political spectrum, i feel that his conclusion speaks to us all:
"I urge you to look around, or better yet, listen around and become aware of the prejudice in everyday life. We are so surrounded by expressions of intolerance that I am in shock and awe that anyone noticed all these recent high-profile instances. Still, I'm gladdened because our no longer being deaf to them may signal their eventual eradication.
The real point is that you cannot harbor malice toward others and then cry foul when someone displays intolerance against you. Prejudice tolerated is intolerance encouraged. Rise up in righteousness when you witness the words and deeds of hate, but only if you are willing to rise up against them all, including your own. Otherwise suffer the slings and arrows of disrespect silently."
it is definitely difficult to be consistent. nu - we need to try harder!
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