K. Cronick
The news
is full of insults about how absurd the “other side” is. The word seems to be a
catch-all to describe people we don’t understand. It is a custom now to call
those who do not have access to scientific or traditional philosophical
information "stupid", "idiots", or some other denigrating
epithet.
People
have beliefs, some of which are hard to understand, and intolerances, some of
which are unfortunate and sad.
But this
is not a sign of stupidity. These beliefs and intolerances are learned, usually
from childhood. They form part of a culture of fear, and misunderstandings in
relation to what they have seen, heard, and felt.
Calling
these people “stupid”, and what they say “idiocy” is no help. It only erects a
barrier to understanding, above all to their own personal self-understanding.
These people must be listened to. We need to be empathetic with them. Not doing
so simply hardens their beliefs and prejudices, and may lead to reinforcing their
misconstructions, and even to violence.
