(no subject)
Something occured to me a few years ago, and my personal experience continues to support it. I decided that people (in this culture at least) nearly always believe that thier beliefs are seperate from the norm. I go to church, and hear people talk about Christians as if we compose roughly 1% of the population. I leave church, and talk to Wiccans, Neo-Hippies, Goths, Punks, and all other sorts. The first thing that they all have in common is that (until they get to know me) they seem to think that I've never met anyone from thier group before. They seem to believe that I (or whoever else they happen to speak with) is certainly ignorant, and probably shocked at what they are saying. Then I go out with friends of mine, and watch Christians treat them this way- even after we inform them that we've discussed the religion many times.
Sometimes people seem to think that if you don't agree with them, then you obviously don't understand.
Of course, this isn't just about belief. Our entire culture cultivates this concept that there is a norm, but that none of us are a part of it. I've met very few that consider themselves to be part of the mainstream. We're taught that we aren't by every other group that comes to preach at us, by this foolish concept of mass-produced individuality that I can point out in so many places in our culture. We often end up resentful of the mainstream, and taking pride in our status as freaks. Perhaps this is the source of far more conflict than we realize. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that people tend to see those that are outside their own circles as being basically the same. There are many who talk to me as if all Christians believe the same way, or all Democrats, or all Budists...
Perhaps the worst thing of all is the fact that the more we identify with such a group (or any one thing) the less individual we really are. Likewise, the less ourselves we really are. Given that, it is no wonder that so many people can fight for thier ideals so fervently, and yet still be torn up and hollow inside. Identifing with the truth alone, I believe, leaves us quite the opposite.