Protestantism

» paper_turtle - Civil Rights

I wasn't claiming victim status. I am not ashamed of being on welfare. I was, though, saying that it behooves us to take into account that the person to whom we are speaking might be a welfare mother (or whatever), and perhaps we will *want* to show respect by not making a statement which might be interpreted as an insult.
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My experiences on welfare, made me very aware that the stereotype of a welfare cheat does great damage. It hurts those on welfare and it misleads the public, causing reduction in benefits, discrimination, and other negative behaviors which do not help those on welfare feel empowered to improve their lives.
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My basic point is that what we do *now,* in this present moment is as important, or perhaps more important than whatever we may know about theory or law.
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Now, if I were to posit this same argument in terms of Christianity you might readily agree with me. I find it interesting that your responses to me are similar to the kinds of arguments a Fundamentalist would address to me if I were to write (for example) that the "fruits" of the spirit are more important than law.
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I say that the climate each one of us creates by how we choose to express ourselves has a very significant influence on the quality of life we enjoy AND what laws are passed or not passed.
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IMHO respect for truth means having a strong desire to present one's ideas in the best possible way, so that people will not take offense and shut out the words. IMHO we would all benefit in taking up the challenge of learning how to effectively express ourselves without benefit of being negative. And IMHO if we voluntarily take up this challenge we might even help defeat the dumbing down of America.
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peace and love,
Bonnie

-- posted by paper_turtle