Trent Ruble's Blog: The Other Way It Is - Posts Tagged "hater"

After writing an article about the Girl Scouts (see Bob Morris vs. Girl Scouts of the USA, February 26, 2012), I received a comment from an offended reader stating that I hated women. I know everyone has strong opinions and that mine can be quite polarizing, but I do not hate women. In fact, I think there are many ways in which we are inferior to them (see Until Death, April 1, 2012). Unfortunately, it is all too common these days to label anyone who disagrees with one's position a "hater," or "H8TR," as I observed on a bumper sticker.



A label similar to "hater" is "phobic," as in "homophobic." The term "homophobic" indicates a fear of homosexuals but is used by some of those promoting homosexuality to label anyone who is opposed to the homosexual lifestyle. Well, that would include me. However, I can say with certainty that I am not afraid of homosexuals nor do I hate them. What I hate is homosexuality and, even more so, the promotion of homosexuality as normal. I have my own vices to be sure (see We're Fighting to Lose! May 06, 2012), but I'm embarrassed by them and certainly don't push for them to be accepted as normal.

The labeling of those who disagree with one's position is really a control issue. The use of these labels is an attempt to relegate people of opposing viewpoints to a status of no value. Therefore, their opinions don't count (think "Birther."). We require our government to allow free speech, so let's do the same with one another. Let's let our opinions stand on their own merit without regard to those who think differently. Rather than assigning a label, maybe it's just better to agree to disagree.

Image originally posted on www.ronitbaras.com