You Have Got to Be Kidding (but Part of Me Wants to Understand)

Cartoon of bearded Mickey Mouse with Minnie in a veil causes stir in Egypt
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43558265/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/

You won't see the picture there, just get the story.

See larger picture here (I'm no fan of Glenn Beck)
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/egypt-christian-mogul-enrages-islamists-with-bearded-dickey-mouse/

As much as I am perpetually in wonderment at some sects in some faiths responding so virulently at what I think are trivial matters, there is a part of me that feels if I am offending someone, and there is no more reason to do so than not to do so, why do it?



Example: I am known (by some people in some situations) to string profanity together in ways that is effective an poetic. However, I am equally adept at expressing the same sentiment with polite words. As I told my son many times (and it resonates with him still), there are no bad words, only words that hurt people.

There is a line you cross when you hurt people. It's manifestly not about the words, but the intent, or perceived intent.

There is also a line that the offended party crosses, by looking for opportunities to be offended; you can find those opportunities everywhere no matter who you are, if you look hard enough.

The solution is tolerance, honesty, and a little trust on both sides. Chip away at those and you wind up with people dying over ideas - chemicals and electrons and synapses and neurons. Much ado about nothing has killed more people than serious grievances ever will.

Funny story about Mark Twain's swearing - "You got the words right, Livy, but you don't know the tune."

http://homepage.smc.edu/larsen_lyle/mark_twain_and_the_art_of_sweari.htm



[update 2011-06-29]

I was recently told that a particular church service was especially good, from a couple people that were in the service; among the preacher's best, they said. I attend this church occasionally with my wife, as we have friends there. As is often the case, I was in the foyer/lobby/reception area having coffee during the service. I can hear the message over speakers in this area, but it's difficult to follow, as others are usually there also and visiting.

I listened to the message on a podcast recently to see if I could understand what was so wonderful. I must admit, I do now understand, but don't share the opinion. I'm as convinced as I was before that it treads a fine line between nonsense and enlightenment, but I will not share that link publicly or discuss it with my friends.

Why?

I don't want to hurt them, and I don't want to manipulate your judgement. There is no harm in believing what these people believe, and the experience is very real for them, and they made no effort to foist it on me, they only want to share something special with me that is special to them. What is wrong with that? I find it a charming gesture.