Is intolerance getting worse on GN?

Its interesting to widen the discussion as regards cultures in other countries other than the UK.

I'd felt continuing the discussion as regards multiculturalism in the UK was very valuable, in terms of very strong the strong opposing views held in the UK, those opposing views shaping our political and social decisions.

Where one POV is, as I said above that its appalling what happens to Muslim girls, when in fact, appalling things happen to white girls around us behind closed doors in apparently the most respectable families

I'd welcome comments on this line (without wishing to exclude what other posters want to say, of course).

So you know when everyone speaks about second generation/third generation embracing modern values, so for example it is argued we shouldn't ban the hijab because young women will likely reject face coverings anyway, what values are influencing them?

I'm not quite sure what you mean, Galaxy, but it sounds really interesting.

I mean, I do agree about not banning, because I think the "carrot not stick" approach is ultimately more successful.

People making their own decisions - it's more powerful and works better than ordering people to do things, as it just causes resentment, and where does that get us in terms of best living multi culturally?

Ultimately that opinion depends on whether we want to live multi-culturally, which I do, very much, or try to shut us off from "others"...

... which is a retreat from that multiculturalism, and is not possible anyway

We can claim to be happy to be multicultural. But you can only truly live multiculturally if the other cultures want to do the same.

Both in Liverpool and where we live now, there is a wide range of cultures, some of whom we mix easily with, at work, at sport, or at the gym for example.

But there are also groups who do not want to or aren’t allowed to mix and live multiculturally with us or the other cultures in our region.

True.

But you can choose whether to make an effort towards it, or against it.

You can choose who you mix with. You can choose a POV to live by.

I've joined an Interfaith group.

Yes: various Christians, Muslims, Jewish people, Buddhists.

I am choosing, as they are, to be multi cultural and furthering the aim to live together as best possible.

First meeting coming up, so yet to see how it goes. But they have events like shared meals where everyone brings something to share.

Or you can choose to join a group, social or political, that dislikes Multiculturalism.

You can do any of those things, W3 but unless those who can’t or won’t join, you can only have a semi multi cultural group.
Which is what we have.

Mollygo

You can do any of those things, W3 but unless those who can’t or won’t join, you can only have a semi multi cultural group.
Which is what we have.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

I choose to join, end of.

Wyllow3

I choose to join, end of.

Now who was it who said end of was rude?

I think you are both right. I would very much like to join a multicultural group. Where I worked was very multicultural, but where I live is not, so there is unlikely to be one near me any time soon. I miss engaging with people of all cultures on a regular basis.

But the people who would join such a group would be those with the inclination and freedom to do so, not the prejudiced (from any culture) or those who are unable to engage because of language or other restrictions. I would still join, given the chance though.

I'm glad to have the chance, an will see how it goes, Doodledog. Choosing hope over its opposites.

Yes: various Christians, Muslims, Jewish people, Buddhists.

Is it just people who have a faith who tend to join, or are some members atheists?

I don't know, Allira, waiting for the next meeting my first. Its in person and Zoom.

This is what google says

"Yes, Humanists are increasingly included in interfaith groups and dialogues. While the term "interfaith" is often associated with religious groups, many organizations and forums now recognize and include Humanists and other non-religious groups as valuable participants in discussions about community cohesion and shared values.

(My parents were Humanists)

Helping out with English classes/groups is a great way to meet interesting people.

Definition of Humanist

"A humanist is someone who bases their worldview and ethics on reason, experience, and empathy, rather than religious or supernatural beliefs." Just in case posters hadn't come across it.

So an atheist could also be a humanist.
And a humanist is an atheist?

I think some atheists are quite aggressive in their hatred of religion: look at Richard Dawkins - maybe humanists aren't so?

I did google it to see what they came up with, and found this:

"An atheist is someone who lacks belief in the existence of God or gods.

Humanism, on the other hand, is a worldview that emphasizes human agency and reason, focusing on human welfare and ethical conduct without relying on supernatural beliefs.

While atheism is a lack of belief, humanism is a positive approach to life. Many humanists are also atheists, but it's possible to be one without the other."

I'm not agreeing or disagreeing on this one, as we probably all have our own definitions.

At first I thought, "we are rather off topic here" then remembered that after all the O/P is about tolerance and intolerance.

Yes, I was just pondering.

Possibly agnostic might be a better term.

Yes, I think you are right, agnostic is a very useful term. As in thinking there may be a possibility of a spiritual life, but unsure, however open to exploring. I think there are quite a lot of people on the "borderlines" of religion...
...who don't at one moment think there can be that sense of the spiritual, but on times of great sorrow or joy do "connect".

I may be agnostic, other times I'm not so sure and find myself praying.

I am sn atheist and a humanist. In terms of things spiritual, I find that in music, art and nature. I don't believe in any kind of divine being or religion, but I do believe in human kindness, caring for others and living my life to try and leave the world a better place.
History and the state of the modern world do not demonstrate to me that organised religion inevitably leads people down the paths of peace; quite the opposite, in fact.

I am an atheist and resolutely not a humanist.

I am definitely a Humanist.

I do pray silently each night, I find it gives me comfort, a way to order my feelings towards family, friends, world situations and to give thanks for my life and health.

Am I confused? probably, does it interfere with anyone else? definitely not.

It just works for me