Semantics and Intolerance

I have noticed that people get so focused in on words these days that they are unable to hear or look at the whole meaning of what someone is saying.  Two examples come to mind from this week.

     1.  Mark Cuban – under fire for what he said in regards to the Donald Sterling racist issue.  Are people upset with the point he was trying to make . . . No. They are upset with one example he gave and are calling him a racist for it.

The point he was trying to make was that we all have internal judgments/prejudices based on how we perceive something or someone.  The example he gave was that if he were to see a black youth wearing a hoodie walking on the street late at night he would cross the street, if he saw a bald white guy with tattoos walking on that side of the street he would walk to the other side.  It’s all based on your internal thoughts and feelings. 

Is he getting hammered because of the substance of what he said – no!  People have pulled out one section of what he said - black youth wearing a hoodie. 

It’s not racism – its prejudice - which is different.  What is prejudice – it is pre judging!  We all do this whether it is based on color of skin, male/female, skinny/fat, young/old, American/foreigner . . . etc

      2. California Mayor – people are asking for him to be recalled because of 3 words he said.The mayor made remarks during a city council meeting regarding a proposal to put “Safe Zones” around town where children could go to seek refuge from bullies.  He responded with “I’m against bullying but I’m getting damn tired of it being used as a mantra for everything and the ills of the world. When all most people have to do is grow a pair and stick up for them damn selves.” 

      Can you pick out what people have clung to and are making a big deal about . . . . . you got it . . . . . grow a pair!  Was he saying that he doesn’t care about kids being bullied . . . . No!  He was expressing an opinion that he thinks “bullying” is being used to explain everything that is wrong with the world.

Does anyone else find that in these examples people are being vilified for not having the same opinion as everyone else?  They are being called racist and intolerant by others for not thinking the same way.  Isn't that intolerance! 

This is a country of freedom and free speech – not a country of freedom and free speech only if you think like everyone else.

D