It's been my experience that only libertarians truly want to end prejudice and bigotry. For only libertarians truly want you to be free.
I know plenty of people who want to end prejudice against people whom they identify with. Many conservatives want to end prejudice and bigotry against religious freedom. Many liberals I know hear even a mention of race and will let you know that you must be a racist, especially if you're a conservative.
But what I consistently find is that this defense of various cultures and beliefs only extends as far as the familiar, especially when considering the traditional (and highly flawed) left/right political spectrum.
Because you also find the conservatives who are only concerned about Christian religious freedoms, not the freedoms of other religions. And you find the liberals who look down their nose at those they consider 'uneducated', or worse yet, 'prejudiced' themselves. (No, they don't see the irony.)
Only libertarians think you have the right to believe what you want to believe, and no, we shouldn't try to legislate our beliefs onto others, save that one essential belief, liberty for all. Not for some. Not for those we like. Who we consider Christian enough. Or elite enough. Liberty for everyone, even if your beliefs are distasteful to others.
So, if you have a strong dislike for a culture that isn't your own, if you look down on others because they don't fit your mold, that's fine. But be considerate enough to think twice before you label someone else prejudiced, a racist, or a bigot. Because you probably, in some area of your life, fit into the same mold, whether you'd like to admit it or not.
A very thought-provoking post, John. As you implied when you mentioned this post to me, much could be said on the subject. I mention this one additional aspect because it seems to cause my Christian brothers and sisters no end of consternation when I espouse it... :)
ReplyDeleteGay Marriage; libertarians, by and large, desire that the State stay the heck out of the entire question. Thus, it is not a question of whether it should be legalized or not, but rather that question ought not be asked of the State at all, because the State has no business regulating the private lives of its citizens. Of course, that raises the question of taxation, especially as it relates to married couples filing jointly. As you know, too, libertarians desire the tax system to be GREATLY simplified, if not eliminated almost entirely (especially as it relates to the federal system.) However, that's another post for another day. Suffice it to say that even though I am a Christian, holding the views that homosexuality is an abomination and ought not be practiced, I also strongly believe that it is not the State's role to advance any one religious viewpoint over others. Rather, the State exists to protect the liberty of individuals.
Furthermore, as a libertarian, I believe that the State ought to protect my rights, and those of my Pastor, to preach that homosexuality is an abomination. As you said, libertarianism is not just about protecting the rights of some, while ignoring the rights of others. Thus, I can simultaneously believe that the State has no business telling two people that they cannot marry for some reason AND also believe that the State has no right to force my church or my pastor to perform said marriages. THAT is liberty.
Thank you for sharing, John. I enjoyed reading it very much.