tickleandrose wrote on Sep 20
th, 2018 at 2:00pm:
It really depends on where you stand in the political spectrum. To me, the act of recognizing equal rights of same sex marriage, the decriminalization of homosexuality and LGBTI rights - they are essential of rule of law and order going to the new century. Morality is ever changing with human society, as its infantile to think the morality of today's world is better off if its exactly the same as 1000 or 2000 years ago. As a society, we need a balance of conservatism - e.g. care when changing core values, and progressiveness (change when needed for the better). If our ancestors never dared to change our morality, our culture, then democracy will never have existed as it is today.
And this is not new. Both sides of the poltics, left and right, conservative vs progressive, capitalist or marxium, believe there are class divides in the society. What modern democracy provide for us, is a environment where the differences between them can be negotiated and sought out through a one person one vote system. So that we no longer have to resort to revolutions or tyranical oppression. I firmy believe that in a democratic society, we need a balance of both. Because, if we go extreme in one way or another, we risk ending up in a society that none of us would enjoy.
Sound basic reasoning, though I disagree that 'SSM is 'equal marriage rights', it is, rather, a special dispensation - perhaps the issue is - at what point does a society become one in which the majority can no longer find joy? And at that point, is not either revolution or tyrannical oppression the only 'solution' no matter how short term?
Not that long ago, simple 'joy' was going to a working week and going to the football or whatever on a weekend and knowing that eventually your efforts could/should/would (not always) be rewarded with a civilised retirement.... for a nation steeped in Great Depressions and World Wars and massive social changes upwards that began to procure some equality for all, that was simple joy... for many just to be alive....
Nowadays there is so much arbitrary and unilateral change going on - to favour one group over another without full consideration - that such simple 'joy' is hard to find... and (just an aside) many find it in violence, crime, and anti-social behaviour instead. In that situation - of one-sided control .. yea - e'en unto Uberkontrol - can this not be squarely labeled Oppression requiring a drastic response?
Footnote:- I often wonder, during such arguments, if I am arguing with someone I know or have known.. or even a relative..... especially when it is a woman on the 'other' end.... if so, I'll bet you never thought I thought the way I do......