Philosophy
Thinking about the defeat of gay marriage in Maryland which came at the hands of Republicans and African-American Democrats(something we'll discuss later in the week). But the line from those seeking to make sure that an oppressed minority of tax-paying American citizens are denied their rights under the law argue that this injustice must stand because "marriage is sacred."
By the word sacred, they do not only mean blessed by God, they mean that which is beyond question, beyond reproach, whose contrary is not to be considered a live option. If something is sacred, it is not to be messed with or joked about, but defended and revered. Mere consideration of any other way is to be subversive.
Clearly, marriage is not sacred. We've changed its definition before for perfectly good moral reasons and we can, and will eventually, do it again for moral reasons. But is there anything -- and it need not have anything to do with religion -- that we do consider sacred? Is there any practice or institution that we put outside of the realm of critical scrutiny?
Is the two party system sacred? It is hard to start a conversation about it without getting labeled a weirdo. What about corporate capitalism? Women's rights? Is that question closed? A minimum wage? Can't include the right to vote? We have problem stripping that from felons for life.
What is it in contemporary society that is part of the paradigm, that is beyond the ability to be challenged? What do we hold sacred?
- So What Are These Ethical Issues Around Gay Marriage?
With North Carolina's enshrinement of bigotry into their state constitution and Obama's evolution to accepting the need for gay men and lesbians to receive fair and equal treatment under the law, there has been lots of talk about the ethical dilemma...
- A Plea For Charity In Understanding African-american Homophobia
A central tenet in critical thinking is the principle of charity, one should always formulate a view in the strongest possible fashion. I'm trying my best to be charitable with the anti-gay marriage arguments of the African-American lawmakers in Maryland...
- Looking For A Silver Lining
Been some interesting goings on these last couple weeks on the equality front. The good news is that gay marriage has finally come to the nation's capital. In it's wake, we've seen those trying to deny equal treatment under the law take a...
- Comedist Evangelism
Brothers, Sisters, and Transgendered Comedists Everywhere, It is time to put the word in the streets. Other religions may try to bring the good news, but we alone bring the funny pages. So, this weekend we are evangelizing, we are seeking converts, we...
- Cold Nights And A Book
Most of us are freezing now save those citizens in San Diego and when the sun sets, it is even colder. Good time to roast some chestnuts or read a book. Here is one I am currently reading... From Black Land to Fifth Sun: The Science of Sacred Sites...
Philosophy
Is Nothing Sacred?
Thinking about the defeat of gay marriage in Maryland which came at the hands of Republicans and African-American Democrats(something we'll discuss later in the week). But the line from those seeking to make sure that an oppressed minority of tax-paying American citizens are denied their rights under the law argue that this injustice must stand because "marriage is sacred."
By the word sacred, they do not only mean blessed by God, they mean that which is beyond question, beyond reproach, whose contrary is not to be considered a live option. If something is sacred, it is not to be messed with or joked about, but defended and revered. Mere consideration of any other way is to be subversive.
Clearly, marriage is not sacred. We've changed its definition before for perfectly good moral reasons and we can, and will eventually, do it again for moral reasons. But is there anything -- and it need not have anything to do with religion -- that we do consider sacred? Is there any practice or institution that we put outside of the realm of critical scrutiny?
Is the two party system sacred? It is hard to start a conversation about it without getting labeled a weirdo. What about corporate capitalism? Women's rights? Is that question closed? A minimum wage? Can't include the right to vote? We have problem stripping that from felons for life.
What is it in contemporary society that is part of the paradigm, that is beyond the ability to be challenged? What do we hold sacred?
- So What Are These Ethical Issues Around Gay Marriage?
With North Carolina's enshrinement of bigotry into their state constitution and Obama's evolution to accepting the need for gay men and lesbians to receive fair and equal treatment under the law, there has been lots of talk about the ethical dilemma...
- A Plea For Charity In Understanding African-american Homophobia
A central tenet in critical thinking is the principle of charity, one should always formulate a view in the strongest possible fashion. I'm trying my best to be charitable with the anti-gay marriage arguments of the African-American lawmakers in Maryland...
- Looking For A Silver Lining
Been some interesting goings on these last couple weeks on the equality front. The good news is that gay marriage has finally come to the nation's capital. In it's wake, we've seen those trying to deny equal treatment under the law take a...
- Comedist Evangelism
Brothers, Sisters, and Transgendered Comedists Everywhere, It is time to put the word in the streets. Other religions may try to bring the good news, but we alone bring the funny pages. So, this weekend we are evangelizing, we are seeking converts, we...
- Cold Nights And A Book
Most of us are freezing now save those citizens in San Diego and when the sun sets, it is even colder. Good time to roast some chestnuts or read a book. Here is one I am currently reading... From Black Land to Fifth Sun: The Science of Sacred Sites...