On being a member of a minority

It seems to be common practice for members of large or majority beliefs to ridicule or disadvantage those who hold a minority belief. This is the reason Tolerance International was set up, to help put an end to it, but who are the real guilty parties?

There are the big issues such as the war in Afghanistan or the inter racial wars in Africa. With these, we can feel comfortable sitting back and blaming governments and extremists for the trouble, nothing to do with us. We can say we didn't ask for it, would have voted against it had we been given the chance, but it has been done out by "them". Remote, we can feel justified by our indignation. Whilst it is true that as an individual we can do very little, sometimes even a large number of people can do very little. For example, Blair ignored the huge anti-war march past Parliament and the perceived anti-war feeling in the country.

So what can we do? Are we to blame? Is intolerance only a practice of governments or large organisations? Is it only concerned with issues in the news such as intolerance of Muslims in a western society or anti-Semitism? Not at all. Intolerance exists at all levels, person to person.

As a member of a minority, I keenly feel the hand of intolerance even within a peaceful society. Every day I live the results of that intolerance, fear of ridicule, fear of misunderstanding or even prosecution. Those who belong to large belief systems feel quite safe, even justified in belittling my beliefs. After all, what will happen to them should they do so? They have only to turn to other members of their belief system for support, and with no surprise, get it.

Intolerance is an every day issue that affects individuals and their relationship with others. It is not just the brutal treatment handed out by the Interahamwe Militias or religious extremists, it encompasses every day living, how you treat other people.

This is not a comfortable thought. Imagine you are a Christian living in a Christian or at least western suburb. A family of devout Muslims move in next door. How do you feel? You know intellectually you should welcome them and respect their beliefs, perhaps you will. Now instead, suppose the family that moved in next door belong to a small minority, but one whose belief system hurts no-one? Will you feel the same way? Will you still feel you have to respect their beliefs, welcome them to the neighbourhood?

So what could this minority be? In practice is does not matter, all small minorities suffer the same treatment at the hands of individuals like you and me. Suppose I moved next door to you, would you welcome me, respect my beliefs? I wonder, I am a naturist.