The Intolerance of America

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union..."

Last we spoke I mentioned that we as citizens of this country are under an obligation to continue the work that our founding fathers began, 'to form a more perfect union'. In my humble opinion those who established our nation expected those who came after to hold the flag high as we marched towards this union they spoke of.

Where is this union now? Are we as a country unified? I say we are the opposite, a country divided. Split between our bi-partisan system, hovering between this ideology or another. We fight because abortion is right or wrong. We fight over health care, taxes, etc. We want equal rights for all, despite race or sex; what of sexuality? Gun control, a basic fundamental of our Constitution, is a subject we are highly divided on. Why, why do we seem so split?

"America is a country of diversity, we all have so many varying opinions, we could never agree on these issues." That is a scapegoat. That is merely a way for us to feel better about ourselves and pawn off our own personal responsibility for our complete lack of tolerance. Yes, tolerance. Post-Civil Rights era, we as Americans are still as intolerant as we were in the first half of the twentieth century. This intolerance does not rear its head in the form we are most used to (racial). This narrow-mindedness is towards those of opposing ideologies. One need only look towards the recent California Proposition 8 controversy to see just how bigoted people can be (on both sides).

Within this framework of intolerant peoples, we can find a rich history of them throughout American history. Yet through no study of my own have I found such a great gap as exists between Americans in our day. Instead of making a concerned effort to understand how our fellow brothers and sisters feel and believe, we are concerned with what we feel is right. I would venture that most times we speak out against an issue, we have had no previous experience with it. Have you stood in a hospital without the ability to see the person you love, just because you aren't allowed to marry them? Has your desire to purchase any kind of 'arms' been thwarted by a ban? When is it that you tried to feel what these people have felt? Since when did disagreeing with someone mean you have to attack what he or she believes?

Unless I remember correctly, that is a major reason this nation was founded, to escape persecution for beliefs. Yet Googling can find examples of every belief system coming under attack. I am not saying we have to all agree, or not speak out on this issue or that. Instead of pressing forward with our own ideals and demolishing any obstacle in our way (often the ideals of another person), we should pause and examine the whole situation before opening our big mouths. Thus we can shed our all or nothing selfish attitudes and create a better union for our posterity to live in.

The English of the late 1700’s failed to understand the colonists. Intolerance towards people of a darker skin lasted long after slaves were set free. Leaders who refused to understand one another perpetuated a cold war for decades. When we see someone that is in opposition to what we may believe to be right, instead of closing ourselves off in our own minds, the real American will shake that persons hand.

We do not all have to agree on theology or politics. In fact, we will hopefully always have disagreements to fuel change and progress. But perhaps we can accept the differences inherent in all Americans, and learn to work together.