The timing is fantastic!
In a case of exquisite timing, the Australia ran an opinion piece where the commentator lamented that the gay marriage debate:
“is not just about rights but about the contestation of values and attitudes.”
The essence of Frank Furidie’s opinion piece was an objection to the ‘self righteousness’ that he perceived in proponents for same-sex marriage. His position is summed up by the quote:
“In the Anglo-American world, gay marriage has become one of those causes through which the cosmopolitan cultural elites define themselves and construct a moral contrast between themselves and ordinary folk. What’s really important for them is the sense of superiority experienced through the conviction that “we” are not like them.”
OH MY GOD!
I love the fact that Furidie’s principle argument is based on perceived ‘intolerance’ of his views. All I can say to him is “man up.” No one is actively discriminating against you. You suffer no negative consequences other than mild social condemnation. In contrast, those who seek to perpetuate discrimination do so from a personal belief in their own morality. They certainly do not have valid arguments to support their case.
Will Furdie’s next opinion piece be about all those poor maligned racists? They have strong views about the values and systems that should underpin Western societies. Perhaps he might argue for greater tolerance of misogynists? Not likely!
His conclusion about gay marriage:
“In such circumstances elite-sanctioned snobbish intolerance is no more acceptable than anti-gay prejudice.”
Actually there is a massive difference. Institutionalised bigotry has a profound impact on the mental and emotional health of those discriminated against. Check out my blog here. In contrast, being frowned at during a dinner party is, potentially, an opportunity to reassess your belief systems
The timing is fantastically ironic because on the same day that his op ed piece was published, the most populous state in the US (New York) passed marriage equality through its Republican controlled legislator. Check out this great post on the topic by Andrew Sullivan.
Personally, I don’t care about your views just don’t enshrine them in legislation. Or come to my dinner party!
[...] a much wider pool of people would explicitly benefit. As I’ve written about here institutional bigotry has a major impact on the health of those subject to it. So all gay people would materially benefit [...]