Quote:
Ah, but I am not advocating doing "whatever you want." I'm advocating thinking about WHY we are doing what we do. I advocate making a conscious decision about our actions based on reason and facts. Traditions can be fine -- even when there is no real reason for following them. However, expecting all of society to follow a tradition just because some within that society want that tradition to continue is unreasonable.
As for laws, well, I firmly believe that civil disobedience is justifiable in many instances. However, a person needs to have a good, well thought out reason for this, and be ready to accept the consequences. Where would civil rights be today without people who stood up against the status quo?
Sure, wearing hats inside is not remotely comparable to civil rights issues (though one might argue that having different "rules" in this area for men and women could make it an off-shoot of such issues). It still illustrates the same concepts. Careful consideration of what has "always" been done, and rejection of that which no longer fits or is no longer appropriate is something that should be lauded. Change always brings discomfort to some within society. This is nothing new. In fact, it's almost tradition.
I am not advocating telling kids / youth / young adults or any other age group to just do whatever they want on a whim. I'm advocating teaching people of any age to use thought, reason, and evidence to make their decisions, not blind faith in how things have "always" been done or blind faith in what "the man" or "the church" says. That's hardly dumbing down our youth.
Disclaimer: "The man" is not intended to refer to gender, but to those in authority or control, whether that be political or social in nature. I shouldn't have to make this statement, but without it, someone will probably misunderstand the usage. Disclaimer #2: By saying "the church" I am not referencing any particular religious denomination or organization, including the Roman Catholic church, which has historically been referenced with the phrase "the Church." Instead, I am referring to religion in general. There. Perhaps I have played the CYA card here...
Why would you assume that blind faith in anything renders one devoid of thought, reason or evidence? And quite frankly, "faith" is something that is more highly regarded by some than thought, reason or evidence. Why should thought, reason and evidence be the gold standard by which someone is judged? Why shouldnt people use character or faith to make a decision? Self indulgent belief in the power of your (genearlity) intellect is as much of a god to you as my belief in the power of my God is to me. Dont think you arent advocating a religion when you advocate that the highest power out there is the mind power or the intellect of an individual. Thank God there is something bigger than that.
disclaimer: The use of "you" and "your" are used as generalities..not to "point the finger" at any one individual or group.
