religious intolerance in college

[julie89]

I'm not saying I've never said a mean word in my life, but it really unsettles me when people make sweeping statements (of a derogatory nature) about different religious beliefs or denominations other than their own, or just about religion in general. It seems that there are more constructive ways of handling differences in thought or lifestyle. I'm not speaking simply about differences in outlook; there will always be differences in thought between groups of people. What I'm talking about is remarks of prejudiced and hateful nature. Even in class, my fellow college students make remarks out loud, in the presence of the instructor, about certain religious sects being "evil" or "going to hell." The students try to pass these comments off as jokes, but jokes are designed to be funny. Outright hatred is far from humorous. Is this really as widespread in colleges, and schools in general, as it seems? It seems like the specter of religious intolerance looms larger and larger each day.

 

[walter]

Since most college staff (professors, etc.) lean to the left there is much intolerance of anything of a conservative nature, not just religion. I get the sense though, that you are at a religious school.
Intolerance and an "us vs. them" attitude persists because it is in our human nature to choose sides and think our side is superior to any other.

I do believe it is getting worse and I believe that it is intertwined with our individual self-centeredness.

 

[julie89]

actually the professor in question is far right in political views. my school's not religious, just a regular liberal arts college