I'm a feminist and I treat women with respect and appreciation. I also am anti-racism, anti-hate, anti-ethnocentrism, anti-homophobia, anti-clasism and basically believe that everyone has rights and merely “tolerating” diversity is simply not good enough.
I like to have fun and be spontanious, but I can also be serious when I need to be. I don't smoke, or use any drugs other than alcohol, and don’t like being around any of it. I like to think of myself as a man of principle, but some people call it self-righteous. I always do what I think is right no matter what other people say. This causes many to call me stubborn and arrogant. I like the person I am, and I hope that others like me too.
My beliefs: Wow... so much to say... Well here's a brief explanation of everything...
Gender: I am a feminist so I believe in the equality of the sexes. I also believe that everything should not be gendered so "that's for boys/girls or women/men" is wrong and should not exist. If a man wants to walk down the street wearing makeup, wearing pink clothes, but at the same time be tough and strong he should be able to do so without anyone judging him or making assumptions about him (such as "he's gay" or weak).
Race: Racism is still alive and kicking. Racism is less "in your face" than it used to be but in a way that's bad since it's harder to prevent and punish. ALL people are equal, and (this might blow your mind but) race is a social construction. It's not real, it's not absolute or universal. At one point in history Jews and Irish were considered non-white. Also, during the colonial era dozens of races were invented to differentiate social/economic class in Central America. A modern day example is President Obama. He is considered “black” even though he is only roughly 1/2 “black”. Also, if he were to go to Africa he might be considered “white”, or at the very least would not be considered “black”. "Race" is how society perceives people and where society assigns individuals into made up groups. It's fake and it's wrong.
Class: This is not a classless society. There is no equal opportunity in America or the world in general. Wealth, property, connections, and experience are all passed down from parent to child and this helps (but does not ensure that) the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor. Let’s look at two made up individuals. John was born in a wealthy family and his father was well connected in the world. He had certain advantages such as a good school, free college education, a private tutor, and the freedom to focus on getting an education and becoming successful. Steve, however, was born in a poor family. He had to drop out of high school to support his family or else they’d die of hunger. He would have difficulty affording college, and even if he somehow managed to attend college he does not have the same background as john and things would most likely not come as naturally to him. Now our UNEARNED ADVANTAGES or DISADVANTAGES do NOT GURANATEE success or failure but do significantly influence our CHANCES. Also, “you need money to make money” and the system itself is designed to keep the rich rich and the poor poor. PS: because class is often passed down race and class have in many ways become linked.
Sexuality: All sexualities are good and healthy. Homosexuality is not a sin, and is not a health risk, or immoral, or unnatural or anything negative. Hundreds of species practice homosexuality, and humans have practiced it for ALL KNOWN RECORDED HISTORY. Homosexuality is not a threat to our species because not everyone is homosexual and people will continue having babies. Also, homosexuality isn’t “pointless” or “unnatural” because the argument used to attack homosexuality in this way claims that sex is for procreation, but anyone who uses birth control, masturbates, or has any type of sex which could not lead to pregnancy would also be considered “pointless” or “unnatural” by those idiots. Homosexuality is also not “spreading” or “infectious”, and to say it is is insulting. Throughout history people have claimed that the poor spread disease or people of color are contagious or other things of that nature and the same manner of hate is now being applied to everyone who is not heteronormative. Also, homosexuals DO NOT have a higher incidence of AIDS and this is just a stereotype spread by haters.
Religion: I am against organized religion. It is as Karl Marx said "the opiate of the masses" used by those with power to control the lower classes and to prevent them from rising up and grabbing said power. I KNOW that all organized religions are wrong and most perpetuate racist, sexist, homophobic, classist beliefs and is actively used as a tool by those with priviledge to deny the existence/rights/value of "others". That's my view as a liberal, agnostic feminist.
My view as an anthropologist and historian is that religion was created by people in order to explain the natural world and bring sense to a seemingly random and confusing world. Historically speaking: when science falls short religion steps in to explain the rest. When science catches up religion is altered to accomodate the scientific evidence. From a humanist perspective THAT is the origin of religion as a broad concept.
As a philosopher I understand the need or at least the value of religion, or more accurately "spirituality". "Religion" is taught and dictated to the masses from an external source, but "spirituality" is a broad and inclusive belief which originates from inside individuals. Spirituality can make some one less afraid of dying or of losing a loved one. It can help to make life seem less pointless and existence less hollow. It can help people cope with bad things happening for no reason, and all around bring meaning to people's lives. If I were to meet a religious person who was smart enough to realise that religion is fake, but philosphical enough to realise the value of believing in it anyway then I would generally respect that person's decision.
My three criteria for respecting someone's religious beliefs:
1: they have to have a legitimate reason for their beliefs. So saying "I was just raised that way" does not count.
2: they can't shove their beliefs in other's faces and constantly try to disprove other's beliefs.
3: their beliefs cannot harm or deny the rights of any individual or group of people.
I myself am Agnostic because I do believe that "God" or a higher power doesn't exist, but I also realise that his/her/it's existence can neither be proven NOR disproven so therefore Atheists are presuming something which they shouldn't.
Society in general: Those with power wish to consolidate their power by creating and enforcing differences such as gender, race, class, sexuality, and sex. Choosing to be ignorant of reality is a coping method used by most oppressed groups/individuals but it is self-defeating and harmful in the long run. As I’ve explained society has great power/influence over individuals. Now this is no excuse not to be proactive and try to steer your life in the direction you want. Our control over our own lives is really the only power we have in life and with regard to gender, race, class, sexuality, religion…etc there is a battle between the will of the individual and that of society. If the individual is strong enough and with some luck (luck is VERY important here) then the individual will triumph. I certainly do not believe that there is just the individual and that society has no power/influence over us.
