Scotland's Shame

[Jock Scot]

Unfortunately the answer is yes, in some areas. Whilst sectarianism has largely disappeared there are still areas where those of the "wrong" religion cannot venture. Fortunately though most of us have a little more sense and can get along with each other

I am ashamed to say that what you say does have a firm basis. I am also proud to say that more often than not, your last sentence is spot on.

[Peter Crowe]

I am ashamed to say that what you say does have a firm basis. I am also proud to say that more often than not, your last sentence is spot on.

Very true on both counts Jock! Being from the West of Scotland, I grew up acutely aware of this issue (at least from the age of five). My parents (both Christians and communicant members of the Church of Scotland) discountenanced sectarianism as iniquitous and a distortion of Christianity. Moreover, despite the popularity of the Old Firm the silent (moral) majority of folk in West Central Scotland are not sectarian bigots.

Piperdbh, I have to also say the problem of sectarianism is deeper than just a football (soccer) derby. Football has become the primary vehicle by which some bigots justify their prejudices, but their prejudices are rooted within certain elements of society. This is where I think the current government initiative is deficient, in that it (rightly) attacks the symptoms of the problem without engaging 'civic' Scotland on how to eradicate sectarian bigotry and prejudice at it's root.

(I apologise if I have given any cause for offence to anyone on this topic, if I have it is entirely unintentional because I believe in pluralism, tolerance, and civility.)

[piperdbh]

Thanks, Peter. I understand a bit about prejudice and bigotry. What I'm wondering though is how many other factors are involved, in addition to which church one frequents. From what I've read, church attendance rates are down in Scotland, as they are in the US, so my guess is that religion is probably not the main driving force behind people's views, especially younger people.

I'm wearing my special skates for the thin ice we're on here.

[McClef]

To analyse all the underlying causes and ills of a situation is beyond the remit of our forums and even more when there is not even a hint of tartan involved. We had enough problems with how threads went even when tartan was involved during the Pope's visit.

That ice is now getting very thin.

[Peter Crowe]

Thanks, Peter. I understand a bit about prejudice and bigotry. What I'm wondering though is how many other factors are involved, in addition to which church one frequents. From what I've read, church attendance rates are down in Scotland, as they are in the US, so my guess is that religion is probably not the main driving force behind people's views, especially younger people.

I'm wearing my special skates for the thin ice we're on here.

Much of it (IMHO) is about group identity rather than doctrine or sincere belief.

[piperdbh]

Much of it (IMHO) is about group identity rather than doctrine or sincere belief.

Bingo.

It's raining at my house. How's the weather up your way?

[Peter Crowe]

Bingo.

It's raining at my house. How's the weather up your way?

It was great for late November, dry and in the 50's F.

[AndrewtheScot]

Living in America, I am not as aware of the issue of religion seperating people as those of you where that is part of your history more than ours. I think we have a picture postcard view of Scotland that filters out the bad.

As Americans we deal with race more than anything and thank God that has gotten better, not color blind yet, but better.

We forget that all cultures have things that need improvement, even our picture postcard worlds. Scotland is a place that lots of us long to see because of our ties by blood.

So, here is one American Scot who is praying for peace in Scotland and everywhere this Advent season.

[Frank McGrath]

tolerance,


The word of the day.

[Ian_G]

Imagine, John Lennon's sentiments were absolutely correct. If only.

Ian