OK, my wife's siblings and their spouses are not idiots. But in some ways they're not real sharp, either. And they are sufficiently dogmatic and ignorant that they can seem like real idiots.
On Friday I had the misfortune of walking into the middle of one of their discussions, which included a number of amazing revelations:
1. The taxpayer revolt/tea party protests have led at least 8 states to consider seceeding from the union. (Breaking news!)
2. The media are biased against conservative causes--they would publicize a gay-pride rally in San Francisco, but not that two "Christians" were (presumably) murdered (by two gay people? it was never clear and I was afraid to ask).
3. The media are similarly squelching the anti-abortion movement in America. More of that liberal media agenda.
4. In kindgergartens now, kids are being told that "mom/mom" and "dad/dad" are perfectly OK ways to form families. And as we know, it's a "fact" (their word, not mine) that God would disapprove of two gay parents, or homosexuality in general.
5. And (oh yes), in case you didn't know, there's not a "gay gene," which means, apparently, that anyone can simply choose to be any way they want to be when it comes to sexuality.
After discussing these matters with the four of them for about 15 minutes, I was experiencing a weird combination of sorrow and anger--enough so that I abruptly said, "I have to go," at which point I headed for the car, backed out of the driveway and drove around for some time, fully intending to have dinner (that's what we were there for) at a local restaurant. But a phone call from The Misses as I was scanning the restaurant menu led to me re-consider and to try to make nice. So I went back, kept my distance for at least 30 minutes, and then ate dinner with them--and along the way a few conciliatory words were uttered all the way around. Things finished on a positive note.
But they really are idiots. And as I told them, it wasn't just that they said these things, but that they represent millions of other people with the same views. It's a real Culture War, I said--and that the opposition is so cock-sure of themselves and so darn crazy scares the beejebers out of me. Be afraid my friends--be very afraid!
2 comments:
This actually sounds a lot like every time I go to my parents' house. It reminds me so much of trips back home that your post could easily have been copy/pasted on my blog, with very few edits.
Long story short, I feel your pain.
You do end up feeling sorry for people like that. If anything their reactions seem based more on fear and misunderstanding that anything else. Religion doesn't bode well with reason, and its hard to go-against the major bodies. Within a church you've got mob mentality. I think people are afraid to admit that they're scared of homosexuality, which is perfectly fine, and no one's forcing it upon them. Its kind of like that NOM ad floating around the internet, and how the fears expressed within are so unwarrented and badly stated. They're meaningless and deflate the argument. What people do in the privacy of their own homes is of no worry/importance to me - as long as its not interfering with anyone's life. Homosexuality doesn't harm anyone; unless you're attacked for being who you are.
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