Hatrack River Forum: Guilty by association?

This is topic Guilty by association? in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Brian J. Hill (Member # 5346) on :

I was just reading Bob_Scopatz's thread, and something said made me begin to wonder: How many people avoid being vocal about a particular issue simply because they do not want to be lumped in with a group?

For example, I am generally in favor of legalized abortion. I am opposed to groups like Planned Parenthood, whose agenda I feel is much too radical and destructive. So, because I don't want to lumped in with the Planned Parenthood wackos, I don't often voice my support for legislation allowing abortion.

Another example. I believe that animals are God's creatures and should be treated responsibly with dignity. However, I think PETA are nuts and don't want to be associated with them in any way, so I feel like I can't voice my opinions.

I could go on with my opinions and groups I don't like, but thats not why I started this thread. I really am wondering--are there others like me? Are there others who feel they have rational opinions, but don't speak up, for fear of being labeled a zealot?

<edit: change "guilt" to guilty" in title for clarity>

[ February 23, 2004, 03:19 PM: Message edited by: Brian J. Hill ]

Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :

As just about everyone here knows, I'm a vegan but I can't stand talking about it seriously. Non vegans tend to automatically lump me into the rabid-PETA corner and the rabid-PETA corner gets mad at me for not being in their corner. It tends to be a lose/lose thing to talk about and, as such, I almost never do (seriously, that is).

Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

I absolutely agree with you Brian.

I'm the same way with animals, I love them. I love the wild, I love hiking in the mountains and I love our national parks. But, I don't call myself an "environmentalist" because I don't want anyone to think I place the value of the environment over that of people. I don't believe in allowing farmers to go out of business because allowing them to irrigate their crops might disturb a few fish.

I don't think the rights of animals supercede those of humans, but I am horrified by animal abuse and think the unnecessary experimentation on animals (such as for cosmetics, etc) is wrong. If it takes sacrificing some rabbits, pigs, and monkeys to develop a cure for diabetes or cancer, then I am for it.

But, like you said, if I say I'm pro animal rights, then people don't expect me to say "yes, I support medical experimentation on animals, it's the only way to safely and effectively develop drug treatments."

It's actually annoying, that the assumption is you cannot support anything by degrees. You must be radical for it, or totally against it. Most people, I think, instead fall on a scale on these type issues.

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

It's why I don't like the two party system. there was an interesting quote about dualism on the "misandry" thread.

Posted by kwsni (Member # 1831) on :

Pooka, read the thread before posting.

In my animal welfare class we talk about PETA being wacko all the time. There are LOTS of groups out there involved with animal welfare (especially in production agriculture and Zoo settings) that want nothing to do with PETA.

That's why I LOVE being involved with animal welfare, because I get to do something that might educate some people.

Ni!

[ February 23, 2004, 03:32 PM: Message edited by: kwsni ]

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

Brian,

It's an interesting thought. I think I have held back many of my opinions on this forum because people do tend to "lump" you into the extremist of any given category.

Such as, opposite of you, I am anti-abortion. I personally feel it is wrong.

However, I have no desire to be lumped in with fanatic activists who lie in the street in front of clinics, or attack doctors, etc. etc. I do not engage in the politics of it.

It is just a personal belief, albeit one that I feel strongly about personally (meaning - I would never allow myself to have an abortion).

I think we have all, at some time or another, gotten slightly burned in some thread or another by voicing an opinion then had someone attack us as an extremist. So that just makes us post our deepest thoughts a little less.

Farmgirl

Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :

Brian [Hail]

Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :

I think abortion is morally wrong under most circumstances, but I see no reason for them not to be legal. I'm morally pro-life, politically pro-choice and Planned Parenthood squicks the hell out of me. But they would probably find me rather puzzling, too. [Razz]

The same with the feminist thang. There are a LOT of feminist groups that I wouldn't want to be associated with. NOW for example. They are very hostile to my lifestyle choice. [Big Grin]

Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :

I rarely discuss politics because I find even if I can have a moderate, middle-of-the-road idea, if I speak up I will immediately become the enemy, the "opposing radical", the 'black' to their 'white'.

Perahps people who have stronger leaning opinions immediately assume that everyone else will have the same strength of opinion.

But then there is the opposite. If I don't speak up, people assume I have no opinion, which of course isn't true.