religion

[Steve Bruns]

Being a working class dweeb myself, it is apparent from talking to my
co-workers and "class"mates that the greatest mistake lefties make is 
questioning the "idea" of religion in general and "my" religion in
particular.  Religion, its relationship with life and the "truth" of it
are questions that, at least in my experience in Middle America, is a
question that is settled early on for most of us.  Any dissonance
inducing difference of opinion or questioning almost immediately
triggers a defensive response.  The mere presence of an avowed
atheist/agnostic is usually just cause.  It is simply too disquieting to
think about this stuff when everybody you know pretty much  agrees on
everything but the easily ignored details.

This applies pretty much across the board for any information that
doesn't easily assimilate into the "normal" value system.  It is
ignored.  The condition people strive for is to have all of these
questions settled, preferably by someone else and summarized in a
convenient catch phrase that can be trotted out at the appropriate
moment, proving that you do indeed have a "reasoned" opinion on the
subject.

Most of the people I work with are racist in general not racist in
particular and homophobic in general not homophobic in particular. 
Their experience simply does not include enough contact with groups
significantly different from themselves to broaden their experience. 
They don't know so they use whatever label or category is conveniently
provided for them.  Usually by television.  It would be a mistake to
underestimate the grip this medium has on the world view of my peers. 
It is simply how most Americans learn about the rest of America.

Steve Bruns

IN