Can we change their minds? In many cases, sadly, I believe not. Some will, of course. We've seen previously homophobic politicians change their views when confronted with the homosexuality of loved ones. I have personally seen a deeply racist family member change dramatically when presented with beautiful mixed-race grandchildren. But many haters will keep their hate and, if forced into the shadows, will let it fester within themselves, poisoning their minds, until they rot away into obscurity. And take their hatreds with them.[Q
I agree with this to a point, but unfortunately I don't think the people who promote hatred against any ideal will ever go away. They can't fade into obscurity because their Grand parents, parents, themselves are the one's who teach their children. We will never have a society totally free of hate and racism, misogyny, bigotry or any of these because I believe most of it is taught to future generations. Look how long the Nazi movement has been around after Hitler's death, how like you said some men still believe woman should be seen and not heard, how homosexuals are still feared as if it's a disease that is contagious by touch....*smh*. All children are innocent of such things, you can see it when the play together without any preconceived notions. I am not saying all of these issues are taught, some are learned as we grow into a society that still show's no tolerance and refuses to give up on their hatreds and prejudices. I wish it was true as you say that if we refuse to acknowledge them they will fade into obscurity, but I believe most are pretty proud of their views and being able to spout them, draw people in who might otherwise be weak is what they hope for...*shrug*. I have a beautiful young daughter, I try to teach her what my mom always taught me when I was growing up. That we are all EQUAL and that everyone is beautiful, inside and out...to stand up for her beliefs, be strong and not take shit from anyone. Everyone takes their own path, even it you try to teach them right from wrong. We are not perfect and neither is our society, we bury out heads in the sand so we don't have to face what we have become and that Yes, things are really this bad.
As for gun control, there really is no such thing. Sure we can apply, be approved and buy our weapon of choice. It is all registered and legal like...*smh* do you know how easy it is to get a gun on the street?????? Easier then buying alcohol at the store or cigarettes....*smh*. I am not saying it doesn't work but the ease of acquiring a weapon now a days is ridiculous, believe you me these people could care less if someone is mentally ill, what their beliefs are or even what they want it for..it's all about the money. I am not knocking it, I own several guns and I am very proficient with them. I believe you have the right to bear arms like the Constitution says, it's what we were founded on. I have always grown up around them and was taught the proper handling, respect and care of such weapons. I have trained and taught my daughter to be the same, I believe everyone has the right to protect themselves if they so choose too....like the saying goes "Are you going to bring a knife to a gun fight."...(sorry couldn't resist the pun...*grin*).
I do look at the world today and wonder what is going on...how we have arrived at such a state. I can remember when bullying meant you just got your ass kicked at school, over,done with. Now in our society with social media we push young people to kill themselves, who can be right with that???? I realize hatred will never go away, especially when just recently our Mayor approved the rally of "The National Socialist Movement", one of the biggest Neo Nazi groups in the country. By law it is allowed if they file the proper paperwork...such is our government. So how can we teach the future generations to be accepting of all....we can't because WE who believe that such things are wrong cannot teach everyone........