- Joined
- Sep 25, 2008
- Messages
- 2,939
I'm curious are we assuming "Discrimination" (defined as: the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex) is the SAME as "Offence" (defined as: annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself) ?
With such a diverse world of religions/cultures/sexual preferences it is highly likely that everyone at some point in their life will be offended in some way. Will being offended kill you? Are we stifling freedom of speech or debate by shutting down all differences between us? Are we trying so hard to live in a politically correct society that we’re creating a sterile environment where no one is allowed to have their own beliefs, let alone speak them publicly? I think Kenny's idea of identifying businesses with personal beliefs is actually rather horrifying. Whilst there will always be some obvious exceptions (eg. kosher deli as was mentioned earlier) we are meant to be bringing modern society TOGETHER not dividing it further.
In this particular case it appears the gay couple were offended by the baker who refuse to decorate that particular type of cake but he did offer alternatives. Whilst they were legitimately offended, they could have simply chosen to go to another baker instead - giving their money & business to those who accept/support their preferences. Forcing the baker to go against his own beliefs could also be considered discrimination in a way... Hence my encouragement for all to "Live and let live"...
With such a diverse world of religions/cultures/sexual preferences it is highly likely that everyone at some point in their life will be offended in some way. Will being offended kill you? Are we stifling freedom of speech or debate by shutting down all differences between us? Are we trying so hard to live in a politically correct society that we’re creating a sterile environment where no one is allowed to have their own beliefs, let alone speak them publicly? I think Kenny's idea of identifying businesses with personal beliefs is actually rather horrifying. Whilst there will always be some obvious exceptions (eg. kosher deli as was mentioned earlier) we are meant to be bringing modern society TOGETHER not dividing it further.
In this particular case it appears the gay couple were offended by the baker who refuse to decorate that particular type of cake but he did offer alternatives. Whilst they were legitimately offended, they could have simply chosen to go to another baker instead - giving their money & business to those who accept/support their preferences. Forcing the baker to go against his own beliefs could also be considered discrimination in a way... Hence my encouragement for all to "Live and let live"...