You know, I don't normally do Off-topic/Spam or other stuff outside of the RP forums, but this one caught my interest. I'm no political or social guru though so please feel free to eat my opinions alive if I say something stupid.
Personally, I don't really have a political ideology, at least I don't think I do. I tend to be able to see both sides of arguments and can see why people think they would work or not work. Generally, I don't really think any form of government or political ideology is inherently bad. People would be the ones who messed up the government. Human nature is usually the factor that messes things up, and that's usually with anything. There's nothing we can really do about that because people, if given power, will always usually be selfish with that power. Its not an absolute rule, but if you want a true test of a mans character, give him power.
That said, I don't really keep up with politics and stuff that much. I honestly couldn't care less because I hate all politicians and our government is getting shittier by the second...
My little political ideology thing from that test, if anyone cares~
And now to the most recent question...
Pepperm1nts said
That's a tricky subject. In the US, things like that are allowed. Neo-Nazis can march just about everywhere, for example. All in the name of Freedom of Speech. It sucks, but that's how it is here. Meanwhile, in the UK, you can get in trouble for saying something racist in public (I think). I think that's wrong. I don't know, I just feel there is something wrong with getting people into trouble with the law simply because they said something racist. I don't like racism, but.. I don't know. I just don't feel it's right. And, at the same time, I don't feel it's right to allow hate-groups the freedom to march down our capital or something (for obvious reasons). But then again, shutting people up based on their beliefs is also wrong.It's really damn tricky.
I agree with some of what you said though, I don't think it is as tricky as you say it is. I think people need to stop being so sensitive when someone with a different belief says something to them. I don't like racism or homophobia myself, but punishing people just because of saying something racist that hurt someones feelings is wrong. At least I don't like it. If Nazi's want to march up and down the street, let them. As long as they don't start shooting people, why should we care? Sure it would offend people, but people are going to be offended no matter what you do. Should the government ban the wearing of a shirt simply because a small group of people find it offensive? People shouldn't be so sensitive, and shouldn't get so offended by people believing in something different from them.
On the other hand, I can see why people would want it to be illegal, or at least watched. Racism and Homophobia can make a lot of people upset or angry, which could lead to some pretty bad things if left unchecked. Hate crimes, to name one. People simply wish to try to make the public space a more, peaceful place without such unpleasantness. Will it stop racism and homophobia and such? No I don't think it would, people who are racist will be racist in private if they can't be in public. Personally, I believe that people who want this, want to sweep all the bad stuff under a rug and forget about it instead of facing it. Which, in my opinion is a bigger crime than allowing it.