Top Three Takeaways – February 10th, 2021
- Bigotry. It’s been a while since I’ve done a bigotry update. Unfortunately, it’s not for a lack of bigots among us. As a reminder the definition of a bigot is... a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions. When it comes to politics...there seemingly are no shortage of bigots. For example, why were some residents of Palm Beach trying to use an obscure agreement involving the Mar-a-Lago Club in 1993 to attempt to prevent Donald Trump and his family from living in their home? Intolerance, aka bigotry. They can make all the excuses they want but when you cut the BS, it’s just about their intolerance for Donald Trump. That’s not unlike Democrats in Congress is it? What is this absurd impeachment trial of a former president, in the middle of a pandemic no less, really about? And cut the insurrection crap. We’re suddenly supposed to forget they impeached him a year ago for a proven Russia hoax? It’s intolerance pure and simple. Being a bigot is bad enough. I’d ask that you not treat us like we’re stupid just because you’re intolerant. Speaking of which....
- Tolerance. It’s the far better path and there’s nothing to be gained by engaging those who are intolerant. Praying for them is a good idea, arguing with them isn’t. Related...did you know Florida is among the most tolerant states? Twice over the prior decade the left-leaning Daily Beast evaluated states based on tolerance. Florida most recently ranked 15th. That’s due to Florida having well below average hate crimes, less racial discrimination than the country generally and above average religious tolerance. We rank above states like New York, in tolerance which helps illustrate the point that many who preach tolerance are actually projecting their intolerance on others. After the riot at the Capitol, I suggested that we all focus on being the best versions of ourselves. On that note...
- Empathy. Better still than being tolerant is to be empathetic. And if you really do want to have a positive impact on those who aren’t tolerant of Donald Trump, your values, or perhaps even you...empathy provides a path forward. We aren’t brought into this world as intolerant haters are we? So, what is it that creates bigotry? What is it that drives intolerance? According to a 90’s Harvard study only about 1.5% of people are naturally analytical. Similarly, a 2018 study conducted by Southern Methodist University and UCLA found only 20% of us are inclined to be empathetic. The answer is that the most natural reaction for most of us is to simply oppose what we don’t like. It’s natural to be closed-minded. It requires effort to be tolerant and more still to be empathetic. If we’re to be the better versions of ourselves – that's where it’s worth putting in the effort. But be wary of the imposters who try to take advantage of those who’re well intended. Just as even the Daily Beast has found Floridians to be more tolerant than New Yorkers, there are many who preach tolerance only to oppose it once elected. Thankfully those running the Town of Palm Beach aren’t among them. Unfortunately, based on what we’re witnessing in the Senate right now...Let’s just say “unity” isn’t on the minds of the majority.
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