Loudmouth,

"If a bigot is someone who has an opinion which can't be shaken, no matter what evidence is produced against their point of view, then most of us are bigots, one way or another. Most of us hang onto an opinion, regardless..."

Seems to concur with the Cambridge dictionary definition:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/bigot

(Btw, the second example they've given is spot on!)

Dear Joe (Loudmouth),

A bigot - is classed as one who is strongly partial to one's
own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant
of those who differ.

As given by the Free Dictionary on the web.

I have to admit - I don't know many people who fit
that description.

You may also be interested in the following link.
It appears that newspaper editors in the UK have decided
not to re-publish the Charlie Hebdo cartoons.
The link explains why:

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/11/charlie-hebdo-cartoons-uk-press-publish

Hi Foxy,

[My fourth post in 24 hrs, I think].

I would have thought that a bigot is one who may or may not be intolerant, but more to the point, won't change their opinion, no matter what evidence is thrown at them.

On that basis, most of are, on some issue or other.

It may include someone who has nothing but kind words for somebody else's strongly-held view, but which many others find, on the basis of ample evidence, to be repugnant and backward.

Take the issue of gender equality, for instance: your kind nature, Foxy, would lead you to play down any of its adverse effects on Muslim women and girls. I'm too tactful to bring some of the evils of gender inequality to your attention, but I suspect that if I did, you would demur, put in a good word for a particular practice - with your good nature you couldn't help yourself but you would - I have to say - put yourself in the position of someone who won't change her mind, no matter what. Goodness and kindness have their limits :)

Perhaps, on that definition, I'm a bigot when it comes to describing your good self. Nothing seems to shake that belief.

Love,

Joe

Loudmouth,

>>We should always have the right to criticise ideas, and even offend those who rever them. Why should any ideas be off-limits ? <<

Of course, I agree with this bit, and I also agree that there is no point in repeating myself again. Nevertheless, let me repeat just this: I THINK (you apparently don’t|) that the &#147;right” to offend, ridicule, verbally or through a cartoon with no intention to communicate anything, only to hurt (the feelings of a large group of people), is NOT THE SAME as the right to criticise, argue (furiously or not), express an idea, etc., however received by this or that individual.

There is ferocious 'Progressive' political correctness in Australia. It has been that way for years.

Who can forget the deluge of bile showered upon Mem Fox and Leunig for pointing out the rather obvious fact that very young infants are better with the devoted attention of the primary care giver at home and preferably, mum?

While Mem Fox, Leunig, other fearless commentators and whistle blowers have been greatly harmed by 'risking it' where others believed the price of freedom of speech was too big to pay, we as a society are far better off that they did what they did. - Even if many of us were too lazy and gutless to support them by at least demanding explanations and accountability of decision-makers.

So I say to George and others, you can 'THINK' whatever you like and say whatever you like. That is your right. However, where your clever rhetoric is aimed at limiting the freedom of speech you might pardon the remainder of us for assuming you have some secondary agenda and are definitely no champion of free speech, or of accountability.

Australia needs an Oz Charlie Hebdo to prick our consciences and to nag until we finally get out of our comfort zone and take action. First target being the political correctness that gags us.

George: a cartoon with no intention to communicate anything,

Ah... But Cartoons do communicate & they do it much better than Politically Correct words ever could. If the party targeted chooses to be offended that is their problem.

In Australia we recognize the truth behind the cartoon & have a laugh. Whether we are the people looking at the Cartoon & recognizing the message, or the Target seeing them selves in the message.

Australians have an inane sense of humour as part of our Culture. There-in lies the difference between Australian Culture & Islamic ideology. We are not compatible.

OTB: First target being the political correctness that gags us.

I second that. Well said. The definition of "Political Correctness," Trying to Pick up a tu#d by the clean end.