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Maybe for you it is. But for many, adherence to religion isn't a free choice (or if it is, it requires overcoming a lifetime of indoctrination).

by jude- 5y ago

spurgu 5y ago
You could argue the same for racism or nazis or whatever as well. It's not like someone suddenly wakes up one days and decides to go to nazi school. It requires indoctrination just as religion. As a side note, indoctrinations are quicker and more efficient when done younger.
- jude- 5y ago
  The psychological manipulations that religions put in place to keep you adhering to the faith through tough times do not apply to either Nazism or racism in general. Like, neither political ideology promises you eternal life or reincarnation after death, nor does either one promise you a divine reward if you are persecuted in this life for holding these beliefs. Neither say anything about divine punishment for non-believers, and neither offer divine rewards for proselytization. This is what makes religious indoctrination that much harder to shake off. If you truly believe that you will face divine and eternal punishment for becoming apostate, or will receive divine and eternal rewards for adhering to the faith, then you'd naturally take the latter path even if only out of your own self-interest. Breaking out of this mental model requires recognizing the psychological manipulation for what it is, despite having known no other mental framework. By contrast, racism and Nazism do not manipulate you this way. They instead appeal to your senses of grievance, entitlement, and resentment, in a way that enhances your self-esteem. While this can also be difficult to break away from, the psychological barriers for doing so are a lot lower -- like, you're not dealing with eternal consequences. But regardless, the topic at hand is whether or not religious or political discrimination are acceptable when it comes to using a platform like Twitter. I'd say "yes" in both cases -- Twitter isn't a vital service (compared to, say, housing, banking, or employment), and you not having a Twitter account does not inhibit your ability to hold and act on either your religious or political beliefs.

Maybe for you it is. But for many, adherence to religion isn't a free choice (or if it is, it requires overcoming a lifetime of indoctrination).

by jude- 5y ago

Maybe for you it is. But for many, adherence to religion isn't a free choice (or if it is, it requires overcoming a lifetime of indoctrination).

spurgu 5y ago

You could argue the same for racism or nazis or whatever as well. It's not like someone suddenly wakes up one days and decides to go to nazi school. It requires indoctrination just as religion. As a side note, indoctrinations are quicker and more efficient when done younger.

jude- 5y ago
The psychological manipulations that religions put in place to keep you adhering to the faith through tough times do not apply to either Nazism or racism in general. Like, neither political ideology promises you eternal life or reincarnation after death, nor does either one promise you a divine reward if you are persecuted in this life for holding these beliefs. Neither say anything about divine punishment for non-believers, and neither offer divine rewards for proselytization. This is what makes religious indoctrination that much harder to shake off. If you truly believe that you will face divine and eternal punishment for becoming apostate, or will receive divine and eternal rewards for adhering to the faith, then you'd naturally take the latter path even if only out of your own self-interest. Breaking out of this mental model requires recognizing the psychological manipulation for what it is, despite having known no other mental framework. By contrast, racism and Nazism do not manipulate you this way. They instead appeal to your senses of grievance, entitlement, and resentment, in a way that enhances your self-esteem. While this can also be difficult to break away from, the psychological barriers for doing so are a lot lower -- like, you're not dealing with eternal consequences. But regardless, the topic at hand is whether or not religious or political discrimination are acceptable when it comes to using a platform like Twitter. I'd say "yes" in both cases -- Twitter isn't a vital service (compared to, say, housing, banking, or employment), and you not having a Twitter account does not inhibit your ability to hold and act on either your religious or political beliefs.