Is bigotry caused by fear? What can we do to eliminate bigotry? How dangerous is it?

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I think some is, but not all. And I doubt we can eliminate bigotry, but we may be able to ameliorate it. Unfortunately, bigotry is just one by-product of the basic human approach of "we"/"they" that is at least partially genetically based. It would be nice if we treated "they" as well as we treat "we", but I'm afraid that this is a very difficult, but not impossible, task to accomplish at the individual level.

Buddhist dharma goes a long way in its attempt to eliminate the "we"/"they" way of thinking by numerous teachings, such as "no-self", the interconnectedness of all in the cosmos, "dependence rising", etc. One is encouraged to treat each individual as if he/she were your own mother.

Shalom,
Vern

If we were to start an organization called EBB (end bigoted beliefs) here on the forum, what would you like to see this organization do?

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LK


If this is how you define a bigot, then you would have to be dedicated to eliminating liberal conceptions of selective morality and politcal correctness which are the height of intolerance That will kill the business so its best not to bother and just stick with platitudes.

Educate people on the problem and suggest alternative avenues that promote oneness.

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May your awareness be perfection

I second that motion!

Shalom,
Vern

Can you expand on that?

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Peace, Love, & Light

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"An object is perceived, or not perceived, according as the mind is, or is not, tinged with the colour of the object. "
Patanjali - Sutra 4:17

Thanks guys.

I don't really have something specific in mind (like a plan of action), but I think that the main cause of bigoty is ignorance. I do not say this in a demeaning way, many do not see themselves, their actions, their choice of words unless it is pointed out to them. Ignorance to me is innocent, it is the absence of knowledge. If one had the knowledge of how bigoty is felt by others and how it effects the whole (world) one might make choices that bring the fruit of peace and compassion.

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May your awareness be perfection

Some bigotry is caused by fear, but by far I think it is caused by controling personalities. If you can keep a group feeling badly, you can control them. At least that is what I have observed.

If we had an organization called EBB, we would have to mount a major effort to educate, and in most cases, those who don't need the education (ie: the ones who are already accepting) are the ones who will listen. The ones who are supporting bigotry just don't or won't see it as a negative influence in their lives and those around them. One of the most bigotted groups I can think of says they do it in "the name of God" How do you show them the truth about tolerance?