Daily Opinion: ISIS Brings Humanity to a Crossroads

As you’re probably aware, France experienced a sobering tragedy when Islamist extremists killed 12 people at Charlie Heebo, a satirical magazine that’s had confrontations with Islamists in the pasts for their depictions of the Prophet Mohammed. Obviously this is a major deal in and of itself, but what I think is more significant is how humanity moves going forward. Given our collective pasts, I’m not so sure this will end in a positive place. At least not immediately.

Wherever there is a belief or an opinion, you will find extremists. They are the ones with the loudest voices and take the strongest actions. Hence the term “extremist.”

Duh.

The problem is people routinely apply the actions of a few to the whole because it’s easier than judging individuals, which is weird because we all want to be seen as individuals, but some don’t always reciprocate that desire. Right now, we’re at a place where Muslims may be viewed negatively based on this recent event. It’s the same way Americans are often viewed as jerks based on the actions of our government and military. The difference in this instance is we’re not talking about people with a powerhouse of a nation behind them; we’re dealing with a religious belief, which is polarizing in and of itself.

So what’s the next move, humanity? Are we going to start acting like all Islamists are gun-toting avengers? Are we going to fight back? Are we going to cower in fear, never embracing satire again? I personally don’t know, but I do know this: the majority of us are not extremists. Most of us are regular folks just trying to live our lives. This segment of the population, as large as it is, isn’t the one that will take action and stand up against BS like this. We’ll be the ones reading about it in the papers and internet. Unfortunately, that approach is what works in favor of those willing to go the extra mile.

How about the majority of us just say, “enough of this crap” regardless of belief system, race, nationality, gender, sexuality, etc.? Haven’t we had enough?

Haven’t YOU had enough?

Peace out, party people.

Previously: Florida Is the Worst State Ever

Daily Opinion: The Idiotic Battle of Theists versus Atheists

Yesterday, I was on Google+ looking for communities to join. One upon which I stumbled was a community for atheists. Now, my first reaction when I saw that was something like, “Ew, atheists,” followed by an acrid taste in my mouth. Not that there’s anything wrong with not believing in God – believe whatever the hell you want – it’s more so the idea that a group of people formed based on the idea that another group’s ideas are wrong.

It’s like being a vegan.

I get that same feeling when I hear there’s a group of vegans that meat (whoops) to talk about new findings in the vegan world and how the flesh eaters are doomed to ruin this world. Yeah, not all vegans are like that, but it’s a stereotype that floats around because there are, in fact, vegans who fall into that category.

I’m not religious at all, nor do I actively say there is no god. I don’t know. Neither do you. You can pretend a magical book from long ago has the answers, or you can pretend science that is bound by human limitations has the answers. Whatever makes you feel better. Just shut the hell/heaven/purgatory/none-of-the-above up about your opinions.

You don’t know.

You’re basing EVERYTHING on a theory and arguing it as if it’s fact.

YOU. DON’T. KNOW.

Just because we’re the “smartest” creatures on earth doesn’t mean we should be treating our beliefs as fact It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you’re on; we’re all delusional if we think we know anything for a fact. Want to test this out?

How do you know any of this isn’t just in your head? All the people you know… hell, even your own memories. How do you know? You just know, right?

Sounds a lot like faith to me. I suppose the theists and the atheists aren’t so different after all.

Now can we all sit down and have a nice/last supper?

Peace out, party people.

Previously: I Don’t Know Why I Celebrate Thanksgiving

The Ramblings Podcast: Episode 24 – The Similarities of Beliefs

I’m recording alone again! Leaf gets one more shot and then he’s taking a pay cut. Today, I ramble on about the division of religion and how none of them may have hit it 100%, but some are more right than others. I have respect for all belief systems so let’s make this one a civil discussion!

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Previously: Episode 23 – Is a Fish that can’t Climb Stupid?