In a thread in Cafe Society discuss a recent country release, someone used the term “bigot” to describe those that would bash the song.
In a misguided attempt to steer the conversation, I mentioned that the dictionary definition of bigot could aslo be used against those that support the song without question, and by assosciation those that are militantly pro-gay.
bigot
n : a prejudiced person who is intolerant of any opinions differing from his own (dictionary.com)
Would this definition apply to someone who views that homosexuality is acceptable and ok, and feels strong intolerance of any other opinion, is the term bigot used specifically to describe someone who holds an “incorrect” viewpoint?
I certainly don’t want to give anyone the impression that I’m anti-gay, or anti-willie nelson, or anti-anything save ignorance.
It’s my impression that “bigot” and “racist” are among the most misused words in our language. As commonly used they mean little more than “one who disagrees with my own prejudices.”
Ambrose Bierce could really have fun with this idea.
So in that case, everyone is a bigot. If you dislike religion with strong opinions, you’re a bigot. If you’re religious and have strong opinions of those that have a disregard for religion, you’re a bigot.
Everyone is a bigot, because everyone has opinions about one group or another.