Friday, May 19, 2006

Ever wish a news item was just an Onion satire? This story reports that Iran has passed legislation requiring non-Muslims to wear special badges indicating their religion. It doesn't mention atheists - maybe they have to be naked? This is most threatening and humiliating to Jews, given the Nazis' Star of David badges and the whole "erase Israel" political atmosphere, but any marker to indicate "Different," even if it's not explicitly "Inferior", seems like a dangerous road.

Closer to home, I'm afraid people might retaliate a la Freedom Fries and treat Muslims similarly. I'd like to think it wouldn't happen, but I couldn't guarantee it.

Personally if I was labeling people with apparel badges, I'd make it something important: am I interested in talking to this person? Different colors would stand for combinations (or totals) of the following and similar qualities:
--Willing to have discussions with an open mind and perspective
--Holds thought-out opinions on religion, politics, and/or other Big Topics
--Has read Lord of the Rings, 1984, Harry Potter, and other excellent books
--Has watched Buffy/Angel/Firefly or other lesser but impressive shows
--Has nothing in common me and is open to exploring our backgrounds and differences

Doesn't that tell you a lot more about people than their religion?
posted by Unknown 2:48 PM | 1 comments