Whenever we start dividing people based on their region of origin, their appearance – no matter if it’s “nature given”, or artificial, – religious/spiritual views, sexuality – including sexual orientation, – most likely we will end up in a trap where we make distinguish of what is acceptable for us, who are “we” in the opposition of “them”. It is part of self-identity, to be the me in relation to the other. Problems start at the point where we expand means of the me and the us to the extend of suffocating the other. Or by demonizing the other to the extend of accepting every breath as personal offense. Leading not only to inability to perceive the other in neutral way, it deprives of the ability to accept the others’ personal freedom and rights to have the opinion that differs from our own. Especially, if the others view is related to a view that considered to be outdated, or previously was fought against.
For many decades now the demonized image was of a white straight man, who used to suppress every possible group, nationality or species. Nowadays, no matter what he says, it is perceived with precaution (to say the least). Because, no matter what are his intentions, past of his breed outs a mark of distrust. Unlike other groups, if he expresses his view, it must be discrimination or desire to diminish the others. Saying that, I want to point not to the cases of sexism, racism, or any other type of discrimination. Cases, when he is being discriminated by having privilege of everyone in this part of the world: personal freedom.
By rejecting order from a customer, no matter what the reason, the only person who is harmed is businessman himself. Rejecting the order due to personal beliefs, according to which the order is offensive to him, entrepreneur puts himself in non-beneficial position by losing possible profit. Customer, on the other hand, has all the choice among specialists in the field, who would gladly accept and fulfill the order.
Reflecting on the subject, can’t help but think that no one has rights to abuse or punish the other for not accepting our believes. Unless the view is crossing the line of common human rights and safety. But, who can tell how to distinguish personal beliefs from destructive ideology? Perhaps, someone else will.
* http://www.nationalreview.com/article/422566/colorado-baker-gay-wedding-cake-court-appeal
