Half a month ago, I received an email from a friend entitled “Things you have to believe to be a Republican today” (contents). Of course, most of the points are amusing, but have relatively little merit. Surely nobody with half a brain would consider them valid arguments against Republicans. Regardless of the actual accusations contained, being a member of a political party doesn’t even imply you accept their political dogma carte blanche. As an example, I’m an avid member of the Libertarian Party, but I obviously don’t agree with every single one of their positions.
Anyways, in the same spirit of good-natured, childish political humor, I did a Reply-All (to the dozen or so original recipients, as well as the friend who sent it to me) containing “Things you have to believe to be a Democrat today” (contents). Of course, no sooner had it left my outbox than did I receive charges of racism.
I found the “Things you have to believe to be a Repblican (sp)” funny. However, What you wrote about “Things you have to believe to be a Democrat” are racist. I am not a Democrat by the way. You need to seriously watch what you are sending out to people.
Of course, for those who know me, my response was quite predictable:
Looking over the email again, I fail to see any statements implying a belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability, and that any particular race is superior to others. I did find discriminatory content, but it discriminated (treated or considered based on class or category rather than individual merit) against Democrats in particular, much as the previous email discriminated quite poignantly against Republicans.
Perhaps you intended to say “bigoted”? In any case, it is no more so than the email regarding Republicans.
Can you clarify your accusation?
So am I just being willfully ignorant/defiant? Or does the person who replied to me have a point? If so, I’m not seeing it.
mewhoischelsea | 14-Aug-04 at 10:29 pm | Permalink
racist? how the hell is that racist?
stefan | 30-Oct-04 at 3:26 am | Permalink
Welcome to the world as we know it - tolerance for everyone except those that disagree with you. I see this from the so called “generation of tolerance” everyday when I say I personally disagree with homosexuality. I’m automatically labeled a “homophobe”. Or, if I say that I think Jesse Jackson, based on his lack of morals, is a poor example of a leader, I’m labeled a “racist”.
Freedom of speech? Sure, as long as you agree with me.
Double standards - I’m so frustrated and sick of them. The large liberal news media is rampant with double standards.
I personally found your response funny. Hang in there!