What’s so bad About Hate?

3-23-06

Andrew Sullivan, an openly gay man, wrote this article against the prejudiced and bigoted straight man. In response, I cannot say that I agree or disagree with Sullivan’s conclusions or theories, because I do not agree with his original assumption. Sullivan poses an interesting question: “… is ‘hate’ to stand for a very specific idea or belief…with a very specific object?” I do not think so. He, along with the government or the United States, believes that the reason white men assault black men, straight men abuse gay men, and men attack women is hate. In fact, they call these crimes ‘hate crimes’ and give them an entirely different set of punishment.
These crimes, however, have nothing to do with hate. Also, setting them apart from other crimes and making them even more expressly forbidden seems to make them more attractive, as their numbers have climbed progressively since they were so named. No, I believe that what drives the majority to beat down the minority is rooted in stupidity. It comprises entirely of fear of the unknown, denial, and a need to remain in control or show strength. It is all a basic human need to stay on top, to be in control.
This article is biased. Sullivan is part of a minority group, homosexuals. As such, this article was written offensively against the straight man, amongst other majority groups. It should not go unmentioned that we (the observers with an “outsider’s” perspective) can easily be blinded by our pity for the minority group, the discriminated against. Both groups fight for power, but the majority, from our point of view, appears to be beating down the minority. The majority is merely fighting to keep his footing, right or no.
On the general issue at hand, very little can be said without taking a side; equality and tolerance sound like a good plan, unfortunately it is ‘a dream’ too far fetched to even hope for. Survival of the fittest is one the man’s strongest calling instincts, “any attempt to construct legal and political fire walls is a doomed and illiberal venture.” (Andrew Sullivan) Since forbidding prejudice actions makes them seem more appealing, and allowing them makes them… allowable… it seems that there is no solution to this issue. Perhaps we should just let it go on and call as little attention to is a possible.

Well that was one of the most pointless papers I've ever written. I hate arguing about topics if what there is to be said is absolutely purposeless. I hate arguing for arguing's sake. That's what this paper is. I didn't even take a stand. I don't want to be involved. I don't even acknowledge the issue... *shrug* still got an A on it...