Say What You
Mean -- Mean What You Say
[Following is taken from a posting I made to the Georgian Chat
list following a discussion at a local community event one
evening.]
One of the things that I have always liked
about the Georgian Tradition is that we can feel free and safe enough to
voice our feelings, both on this list, and throughout the tradition, in
general. I attribute that to the basic lessons of the tradition,
beginning with the "unbrainwashing" exercises that Pat passed to his
students and we, in turn pass on to ours.
I find it discouraging, especially on other
lists, when the spectre of Political Correctness raises its head,
because it tends to quash any real dialogue on any subject of substance.
<soapbox rant on>
Political Correctness is not tolerance, it is a
means of disempowering valid and real emotions, opinions and thought
processes which then reduces anything of substance to a bland sameness.
Look at nature: nature is not politically correct, it simply is. It is
beautiful, it is terrifying. It is tranquil, it is anything but. True
discussion and debate requires, no, demands, that all parties be able to
express themselves in manners which others may be uncomfortable with, in
disagreement with. The sharing of diverse opinions and ideas leads to
new opinions and ideas; some that are held may change, others may become
stronger and reinforced by the discussion. One should not feel a need to
apologise for their validly held opinions and ideas; nor, however,
should they browbeat others to their position or views,
Tolerance is a means of acceptance that other
opinions, ideas, etc., can be just as valid as those of one's own
belief. Tolerance is a recognition that diversity sometimes means that
"we must agree to disagree" on the matter, and move onward. Tolerance is
also a recognition that these diverse opinions, lifestyles, etc., are
not an actual threat to our own well-being.
<soapbox rant off>
Just some random thoughts that have come to me
this evening, following a period of socialization in my local community.
Blessings,
Moondancer
2002-02-02 |
