How do you tell religious people that you're an atheist?

AshleyM1997 comments on Oct 4, 2017:

I've found that it is better to wait and let people get to know you as a person before you reveal you do not believe in any good/gods. It is harder for someone to write you off or react negatively when they like you on a human level.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@Jarucker It might work the other way - your significant other tells you after a year that they're religious! Horror!

Do you believe in Divination?

Druvius comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Only with chicken entrails reading. They always indicate the recent presence of an unlucky chicken. ;)

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Love it!

How do we feel about mother theresa peeps?

Hellbent comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Well, I think that, being dead, she's better than she used to be. Have you read Christopher Hitchens on her?

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Yes, of course - I'm actually being a bit naughty - this is a bit of a trick question to see how many on this site still believe the hype and think she was a saint. :) So far no takers! Which is encouraging........

I'm here on my 4 day family vacation in South Carolina.

GeekLeen comments on Dec 30, 2017:

@SilverDollarJedi damn.... My best friend died unexpectedly in July. He was the best person I had ever met. He was also my boyfriend many years ago and we lived together so I can say I knew him pretty well. We had the kind of love and then friendship that people see in the movies, pure and real, ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@GeekLeen - people who repeat those old cliches of "god's plan" and "another angel in heaven" are disgusting. And totally selfish in this - giving comfort to themselves.

Does all life have inherent value?

twodeadwombles comments on Dec 30, 2017:

You cannot project your own worldview about quality of life onto another person. A worm lives its entire life deaf, dumb, blind and eating mud but in its own way still strives for life and to reproduce more like itself. Do we make judgements about its quality of life? If so we might conclude it ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

But if the worm was born with physical or mental defects it would have died all by itself anyway, because it didn't have health insurance.

Does all life have inherent value?

Gatovicolo comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I would say I don’t think Ebola has any value.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

And I don't think my very active 93 year old grandmother's life would have had any value in her opinion after she was crippled by a lorry. They could have kept her alive, but for what purpose?

Does all life have inherent value?

richiegtt comments on Dec 30, 2017:

If the child is in constant discomfort and pain and has a very bad quality of life .I am sure some of the people answering this question would rather be euthanized rather than live in this condition . I personally would not wish to live in this way so If it was me I would want to be euthanized ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

And if there are other children, they suffer too.

Does all life have inherent value?

JayJackson comments on Dec 30, 2017:

All life is valuable. Period.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Sounds a bit biblical if you can't justify why you think that way.

Does all life have inherent value?

MsOliver comments on Dec 30, 2017:

If the child is truly a burden that is unable to procreate, create, or communicate, euthanasia is a moral choice. Even more so if that child shows signs of experiencing pain or is frequently ill to the point that he or she requires constant testing, injections, and other painful medical ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Absolutely agree.

Does all life have inherent value?

MoniB comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I think it's selfish if somebody thinks it's ok to take a life because of someone's disorder. Everybody is born with a purpose. I was once a PreK teacher and helped teach a child with cerebral palsy. He knew more then what people gave him credit for.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Why does everyone's life have a purpose? What do you base this opinion on? It sounds vaguely biblical to me.

Slightly funny moment for you, I was in my hospital bed around 15 months ago, and out of the blue a ...

ErichZannIII comments on Jan 6, 2018:

You didn't have to be quite so rude. You could have just said you weren't interested.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Be more rude! The priest is the one who is being rude, assuming you wanted to see him. Another example of the arrogance of the believer.

The "power" of faith

skado comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I think science has confirmed that it can have beneficial effects.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Such as?

I do custom artwork and I have people who ask me to do religious pieces every now and then.

Ometiklan comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Nope, not at all. There will always be people who need the crutch regardless if you make a few dollars off of their delusions. Pastors and priests have been making money off of people's stupidity for centuries. So go make your money.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

I think if it was me I'd feel a bit of a hypocrite, but I could probably swallow that and take the money.

I find this kind of concerning for the future of male existence.

Annaleda comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I think you’re projecting.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

LOL

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

Shawno1972 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I get where you're going with this, and from a purely intellectual standpoint I would have to agree 100%. The problem is...as someone who has personally experienced this procedure as an infant, and against his will, I nonetheless cannot say that I'm unhappy with the result. Hopefully this doesn't...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@Shawno1972 Well no, the point has not eluded me, unlike yourself, who still doesn't seem to have grasped that the question is whether it is ok to mutiilate a child without their consent.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

Varn comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Seems most of us are such a blend it’s no longer specific or relevant.. Lost track of how many European nationalities I’m a blend of ...excluding some ‘American’ Choctaw :-)

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Exactly.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

MsOliver comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I'm an All American mutt. My ancestors are from Scotland, Germany, and one great grandparent was Osage (Native American.) It would never occur to me to call myself a German-American, but again my looks are about as generic white girl as they possibly could be. On the other hand, my younger son is...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

I've had nearly 40 years of people asking my kids "so where are you from". It gets a little tiring.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Yourdaddy22 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

You should what George Carlin he says the exact same thing!

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@Yourdaddy22 I'm hoping he was being sarcastic. Too much?

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

zeliasgrand comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I have done a lot of genealogy research so I'm proud of my ancestors and their accomplishments. Not in the sense that these accomplishments make ME more skilled or talented, just that I have some interesting bits of history to share. But beyond that, I agree with you. Being of German descent ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@zeliasgrand That's exactly my point. It's a very subjective search which becomes meaningless after a few generations.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

AgnosticBear comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Dude I won’t even watch a porn when the dude is uncut. From all the women I have talked to on this subject over the years they think it’s gross too. (Sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings or gave them a complex).

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@josmi6699 Unfortunately I know these facts, as my adopted Nigerian daughter had had it done. I tend to gloss over the different types as they are all designed to subjugate and control women, and the way it is done often makes a type 3 a type 2 or even a a type 1. It's horrific and unbelievable that it still happens in the 21C

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

AgnosticBear comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Dude I won’t even watch a porn when the dude is uncut. From all the women I have talked to on this subject over the years they think it’s gross too. (Sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings or gave them a complex).

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@DonCoryon Do you think you could still get an education even though I'm rude?

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

AmiSue comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I just asked my 19 year old son if he felt that I did him a disservice by choosing circumcision for him. A vehement 'No way!' was his response. He claims he would have counted the days until he could have it done for himself had I not done it. My nephews both had a traditional bris, performed on ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@HarrySlick - I know why the caged bird sings.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

Naeem comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I'm not American yet! and I'm not sure how I would identify myself if I became American.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

I think this is the heart of the matter. New immigrants to America obviously identified with the country/culture they cam from, as it had moulded their characters and ideas. I'm just thinking that 4 or 5 generations down the line, when all these cultures inevitably become diluted, people might then say they are "American".

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

AgnosticBear comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I only call my self an American. Never prefixed it in my life.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Fab. Well done.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

engineer_in_nj comments on Jan 5, 2018:

So most of my ancestors have been here for about 150 years and they came from a wife variety of places. Added to this my grandfather was adopted so we have no clue about his family. My whole life I have always told people that I am American because my family tree is way too complicated to say ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Maybe once it's ok to be just American, this will change. Let's give it time.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

Hominid comments on Jan 5, 2018:

It's a nice ideal to think we're all people of the same ilk, but in some ways we're not. Countries have cultures and practices that define their characteristics and influence the citizenry; any cultural anthropologist will tell you that. Those cultural differences can be quite stark and defining, ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

I agree with the newness of it - and reading the comments (what a lot!) I thin this is the key. Maybe we just need to give it time. I'm not arguing with the cultures that still exist in Chinatowns or Little Italys - the people who annoy me are the ones who say I'm an Italian German Czech French Native American and who have absolutely no knowlege or connection with these cultures, let alone the languages.

Men Or Women? Which Of The Two Is Most Intelligent?

atheist comments on Jan 3, 2018:

The fact is that each is better at some different tasks but overall the intelligence is equal!

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@atheist I might do. :)

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

richiegtt comments on Jan 5, 2018:

First off, Your stating that male Circumcision is mutiilation is your opinion and one not held by many people in THIS country .There is a difference. With female mutilation which is carried out to control a woman’s sexuality and ideas about purity, modesty and beauty. There are also a myriad of ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@josmi6699 The same argument is used by weeping Nigerian mothers as their daughter's legs are held apart so the wise woman can slice off their clitoris. The razor blade is used twice, and mothers pray their daughter will get the first slice, as it tends to blunt the blade. This is the world we live in.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

stinkeye_a comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I used to say "I'm four kinds of white" when heritage would come up in conversation and that always got an amused chuckle (far more of a reaction than I'd ever anticipated, really!)--but I never had to qualify myself because my white privilege means when people look at me, they're vanishingly ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

I think your 4 kinds of white would have been met with a quiet step away from you in England.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

harito comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I think an apology is in order, because of all the death and destruction america has brought to people all over the world. Why the fuck is this country in every country of the African continent except 1? We're talking about killers with guns"soldiers", not the "PEACE" corps. This country is ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

We have our shame her in the UK too, as do most countries. That's why anyone saying they're "proud" of the chance happening of their birth is nonsensical to me. Thanks for you comments.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

stinkeye_a comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I try to stay away from pride entirely. To me it smacks of "I can do this and you can't, so I'm better than you.". That is of course pertaining to the "pride is for what you've done, not what you are" model, which I wholly endorse. I'm not "proud" to be American, or female, or intelligent, or ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@stinkeye_a - I like the idea, and am glad you shared it, and if it had to come from buddhism that's fine.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

Shawno1972 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I get where you're going with this, and from a purely intellectual standpoint I would have to agree 100%. The problem is...as someone who has personally experienced this procedure as an infant, and against his will, I nonetheless cannot say that I'm unhappy with the result. Hopefully this doesn't...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@Shawno1972 I should say as a woman with experience of both, I probably know better than you. Barbara.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

Piece2YourPuzzle comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Nobody is "just an American". Just because you were born somewhere doesn't mean you should ignore your heritage and bloodline. I'm not saying you have to be super prideful, but it's nice to have that knowledge. I am American, but I am also Italian, German, Irish, and Native American. You say there ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Absolutely disagree with you. Your example of relating a cheesburger to language is laughable, similar dishes exist around the world, and if you're born mute you can still learn the words to the national anthem. How can you say ypu're Italian if you don't speak the language? Without knowing the language you can't understand the culture, or the nuances and delights of a country's history. So all it takes for you to be Italian, German, Irish and Native American is that some distant ancestor was? What do you know about those cultures? I'm trying to understand the mentality that thinks you are something without any effort on your part. What do you have in common with the people in Italy, Germany, Ireland or the Native Americans?

I don’t think anyone understands and accepts real evolution and god.

Rugglesby comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Not meaning any offense to my American friends, we are little better here, I just love this guys work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7NL48kRH3A

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

He's a wonderful bloke. My favourite blasphemer. Praise be.

I don’t think anyone understands and accepts real evolution and god.

skado comments on Jan 1, 2018:

I think I understand what you're saying here, and strictly speaking it would be true for the most part, if the people you are talking about had arrived at their beliefs through a rational process. But of course, if they were relying on reason, they might never have come to hold those ideas in the ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@MST3K It's so funny what people can come up with, assigning such superb literary qualities to a text written when people believed the earth was flat.

I recently argued with a woman at a New Year's party about what was more painful, giving birth or ...

josmi6699 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

That is because when giving birth to a baby you get, you know, a baby and the experience of having a child, raising a child etc. When getting kicked in the balls you get nothing except the pain. Also the pain of giving birth lasts a lot longer than the pain of getting kicked in the balls. Giving ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Unless the baby dies.

I recently argued with a woman at a New Year's party about what was more painful, giving birth or ...

Stevil comments on Jan 5, 2018:

ENDORPHINS a woman's body is pumping out endorphins like crazy. So she gets a free high with all the pain. My mom who had. 7 kids said it was no big deal to squirt a brat out of her womb every few years Measuring pain is like trying to measure a cloud. From the individuals point of view their pain...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Can't say I felt any endorphins when I "squirted out my 3 brats" (what charming terminology you have!). Lots of pain though. But that's probably my punishment for eating that goddam apple.

thisreality?

Uncorrugated comments on Jan 5, 2018:

It's the only reality that I know. It's the only reality which has any effect on my life. So, personally, I don't care if there are or not. Matrix ideas are interesting but I find to be of little value - I leave that to philosophy students!

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Yep - who cares?

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

Shawno1972 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I get where you're going with this, and from a purely intellectual standpoint I would have to agree 100%. The problem is...as someone who has personally experienced this procedure as an infant, and against his will, I nonetheless cannot say that I'm unhappy with the result. Hopefully this doesn't...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Ignorance is bliss.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

evergreen comments on Jan 5, 2018:

The main thing I see in favor of - would be the proven link between uncircumsized men, and their female partners risk for Human Papillomavirus , and Cervical cancer.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@evergreen It's all cultural.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

Knitfreak comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Is it any less barbaric than female circumcision? I debated not doing it for my sons and was convinced by a woman who said that boys could be cruel and I would not want them to be different in a locker room. So I was cruel... I'm not sure where I stand on it but more on the against it side.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@josmi6699 Do you have any experience of FGM? Where do you get your info from? The reason for female circumcision is to stop women liking sex so they don't stray. You are mislead if you think it's just a "tidying up" of the labia. It's purely for the subjugation of women, unlike the "tidying up" of a penis which male cicumcision entails.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

Bam85 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Mine was chopped, and i have no complaints at all. I would prefer it this way. That was part one. Part two is that your opinion is to not do it. That is fine. But outlawing it would be forcing your beliefs on others. And that is where it becomes wrong. Basically, if you dont like it, dont have it ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@HarrySlick That's nonsense. The "medical benefits" are non-existentl and if you don't know how to clean your dick I pity you.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

Rufus_Maximus comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Mine was removed when I was a child, it was medical but I'm not sure exactly why. I don't think it's as barbaric as FGM but I think it should be illegal outside of medical needs.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Well done for not thinking it's as barbaric as FGM - because FGM is removal of the clitoris, like a man having his dick cut off! Give the man a star.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

AgnosticBear comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Dude I won’t even watch a porn when the dude is uncut. From all the women I have talked to on this subject over the years they think it’s gross too. (Sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings or gave them a complex).

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@DonCoryon Oh boy you guys! FEMALE CIRCUMCISION IS REMOVAL OF THE CLITORIS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE VAGINA! IT'S LIKE A MAN GETTING HIS WHOLE DICK CUT OFF! Please get an education.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

Duke comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I'm only an American if you identify me by my birth country. I'm just a mutt. I'm not a purebred anything. I have no "race" to claim. My ancestors (the ones of whom I'm aware) identified as Irish, English, German and Cherokee. But, that really doesn't make me any of those things.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Exactly. We are all mutts. There are no "pure" people.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 5, 2018:

What bothers me is when an American born says "I am Italian, Irish, Polish, Ecuadorian....." basing his / her answer on the ancestors' nationalities. Now, when somebody says "I am proud of being blonde." I CAN'T HELP BUT TO LAUGH.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@DUCHESSA A weird bunch, grappling and grasping for an identity which doesn't exist. A bit like religion.

Men Or Women? Which Of The Two Is Most Intelligent?

atheist comments on Jan 3, 2018:

The fact is that each is better at some different tasks but overall the intelligence is equal!

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@atheist Because we don't want to whup your asses.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

WynnHorton comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Agreed. It separates us. I prefer to date East Asian and " " Americans, but it bothers me IMMENSELY how they rarely inter-marry, often for 4 generations....not even other East Asians. Whites, for all the flack we get, are the quickest to marry, say, an Italian, Greek, Scot...any other white ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

I feel like I live on a different planet. My first husband was Nigerian, and my second Russian. I find it weird that someone "prefers to date" a particular nationality. I just date people I fancy.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

GoldenDoll comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I'm absolutely horriifed by some of the comments on here - especially DonCoryon's - I can only hope he's being sarcastic! A more culturally brainwashed bunch of comments I have never seen except on religious sites! Please, educate yourselves on what is removed - a bit of skin (boys) or A CLITORIS ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@josmi6699 Exactly. It's so shocking that people can't recognise this.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

WynnHorton comments on Jan 5, 2018:

They are told it is a cleanliness/medical issue, that it makes their dick look better and gives the woman more pleasure.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Brainwashing at its finest, almost religious quality.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Genital mutilation should be banned, period. The practice arises from a combination of religion, culturally based male domination, and sheer ignorance.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Excellent comment.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

sassygirl3869 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

My home aide has a 2 year old who wasn't circumsized at birth for medical reasons. She had to take him a month ago to have it done-more sterile-and it was torture for the kid. Guessing painful for adults. Get it done early.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Or don't get it done! There is utterly no reason to do it. The percentage of boys needing this "for medical reasons" is miniscule. It's totally cultural.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

Knitfreak comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Is it any less barbaric than female circumcision? I debated not doing it for my sons and was convinced by a woman who said that boys could be cruel and I would not want them to be different in a locker room. So I was cruel... I'm not sure where I stand on it but more on the against it side.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Are you really so ignorant of human biology? Removing a bit of skin from the exterior of a penis doesn't change sexual pleasure. REMOVING A WOMAN'S CLITORIS DOES! Jeesh, get some education.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

AgnosticBear comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Dude I won’t even watch a porn when the dude is uncut. From all the women I have talked to on this subject over the years they think it’s gross too. (Sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings or gave them a complex).

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Oh good! We have an intellectual's opinion at last!

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

JohnnyThorazine comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I find this rather annoying as well. Though, occasionally, I am guilty of referring to my Sicilian heritage, but only half-heartedly, and normally with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Almost everybody I know constantly refers to their '(fill in blank) blood'. We are who we choose to be, not who ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Ben detta amica!

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Hellbent comments on Jan 5, 2018:

A very good point: this is something that has always annoyed me. People who talk about "my celtic heritage" or "my french culture" are just selecting one part of their mongrel heritage (for we're all mongrels)and pretending it is the whole. Have you ever read Daniel Defoe's poem "The True Born ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

And it all depends which strand of your heritage you choose to take - and the only people who knew who the fathers of their babies were was the women. It makes no sense.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Gatovicolo comments on Jan 5, 2018:

It all depends upon the situation, but if you’re an American, you’re heritage is so broad that to be proud of it is questionable. If I was a second generation Iranian, then perhaps being proud of ferdowsi would make sense, but a family that’s been in the US since the mid 18th century, it seems...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Actually, everybody's heritage is so broad, the American one is just more recent.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

josmi6699 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Agree 100% To be proud of ones country or heritage or similar is not just stupid, it is often also damaging and dangerous because it keeps that virus of nationalism alive that has been responsible for so many wars and conflicts.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Well said.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

MrLizard comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Piggy Backing on what @DJVJ311 said: The word - Pride - is really being used as the opposite of ashamed. It may be a less accurate definition, but that's the way the word is often used, now. It's why I am proud of my Jewish heritage, and yes - until this year, I was proud (not ashamed) to be ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

When I worked on a kibbutz over 30 years ago, it somewhat changed my opinion of the jews when I saw them poking their rifles in the palestinians backs and mocking the muslim art we saw in Jerusalem. But then of course, I had only heard what people told me, not seen it with my own eyes. So not everything in judaism is to be proud of.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

JWDiaz comments on Jan 5, 2018:

There's nothing wrong with being proud of one's heritage or anything else, whether one had to act to achieve the reason to be proud of or not.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Well, I think if you read all the comments you might see lots of other different points of view which might make you think.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Yourdaddy22 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

You should what George Carlin he says the exact same thing!

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Yes, he's great. Unfortunately he also says he's 100% Irish because his parents were born there.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Betty comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Having pride in one's heritage can be a good thing if it inspires you to continue doing good things to inspire your descendants.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

While conveniently glossing over the bad bits? Sounds like cherry-picking to me.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

MichaelSpinler comments on Jan 5, 2018:

being i am so mixed, 7 known nationalities, there is no point for me. for cultural reasons and food i see how it has an appeal . like having italian food. even though its not italian in most cases its the bastardized american version. it is one reason i never adopted the african american ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

E se ti parlo in italiano, mi credevi?

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

evergreen comments on Jan 5, 2018:

No wrath from me ! This way of personal identity has always bugged me. I still inwardly flinch when I hear someone say things like : "oh she's such a nice Mexican, Chinese, Black etc.(pick one) person . Why not , just a nice person ?? And being part Black myself. it drives me nutsy to ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Well said. My kids are half Nigerian, but they're actually just British. I couldn't ever imagine a dual-heritage child here in England saying "I'm a British Nigerian" or "a Pakistani Briton", - sounds just a weird as it should do.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

sassygirl3869 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I'm an American who again is embarrased with that piece of shit in Washington.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

I feel your pain. Maybe people will start saying they're an Embarrassed American.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

jwm03h comments on Jan 5, 2018:

The only time I hear that is when people say African American, and they never been to Africa, how absurd, if you were from a small island nobody heard of, u are African American.....white people don't do that, I'm German American, most of us have different countries where our ancestors come from, ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

The only time you hear that is when people say African American? Well, I've just heard YOU say that you're German American. And every American abroad introduces themselves as a Something American. Plus I have to say your comments smell a tiny little bit of white privilege, so I'm afraid I can't condone that.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

zeliasgrand comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I have done a lot of genealogy research so I'm proud of my ancestors and their accomplishments. Not in the sense that these accomplishments make ME more skilled or talented, just that I have some interesting bits of history to share. But beyond that, I agree with you. Being of German descent ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Genealogy research I just don't understand - you just take one line of your ancestors and take it as far as you can - what if you took another strand? The female on? The male one? Alternate all the way back female only/male only/switch between the two? You might find out you're Hopi, Hindu or Honduran. Especially as we don't really know who the genetic fathers of the babies born were, only the ladies knew that before testing!

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 5, 2018:

What bothers me is when an American born says "I am Italian, Irish, Polish, Ecuadorian....." basing his / her answer on the ancestors' nationalities. Now, when somebody says "I am proud of being blonde." I CAN'T HELP BUT TO LAUGH.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Agreed - I've just posted a question about that very subject - I'm waiting for the hate mail!

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Kimba comments on Jan 5, 2018:

An Australian comedian Paul Hogan summed this up for me once in an interview. He was asked "Are you proud to be an Australian?" And he said to paraphrase as it was a long time ago" I am an Australian, once you start having to say you're proud of what you are it is if you think other people have a ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Excellent. And what a twinkle in his eye I bet, when he said it. I always loved that twinkle.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Marcel comments on Jan 5, 2018:

As an Italian I am very proud to be one. Sure we had some bad spots in History but name me one nation or country that doesn't. We should be proud of where we came from and never apologize. shit happens move the F on. This guilt trip shit will not fly with me.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Ma non c'e mai nessuno che dice "sono fiero di essere italiano, (ma non le parte cattive)". It's not a guilt trip, it's just trying to make sure we think about what we're saying. Being "proud" that one line of your ancestors (which line do you choose?) lived in Italy at some time is a very tenuous foundation for pride. I could say I'm proud to be Italian too, but I'm not.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

ThomasC comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I think your right about that. Your dna is not a source of pride since you had no hand in its designation. Only thing you have to be proud of are your own accomplishments.thanks for pointing that out . I hadn’t thought about it from that perspective before.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

And I like one of the comments that says even pride in your own achievements is unnecessary, and that it does tend to provide a reason to feel superior to others, which we are all trying not to do I suppose.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

yema02 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I think that's noddy talks. I think we have to be proud of what our energy can offer us with the support of our intelligent, but not what has already taken place without my individual effort.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Sorry could you translate "noddy talks" for me - I see that it's derogatory but to what does it refer? And do you mean "intelligence" when you say "intelligent"? Keyboards are so tricky aren't they.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

stinkeye_a comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I try to stay away from pride entirely. To me it smacks of "I can do this and you can't, so I'm better than you.". That is of course pertaining to the "pride is for what you've done, not what you are" model, which I wholly endorse. I'm not "proud" to be American, or female, or intelligent, or ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Yes! That's very well put and I agree totally! I will modify my thoughts to include yours. Thankyou.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

ErikGunderson comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Two thoughts for you: 1. In many cases, nationalistic identification points to the noble ideals of a particular polity or culture. For instance, we Americans in the United States can point to the high ideals of democratic participation that were a motive force in our Revolution, our rejection of ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Mmmmm. I could never say I'm proud to be an atheist. It's just my state of being.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Duke comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I agree. It's like saying I'm proud that I still have all of my hair at 57. I'm not proud. I'm just lucky.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Some people like a bit of bald, so you might not be lucky there....

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

MrAgnostic comments on Jan 5, 2018:

If guilt by ancestry is a logical fallacy than so is merit.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

I totally disregard guilt by ancestry too. It's a bit of a biblical concept as far as I'm concerned. The sins of the fathers, etc......

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Posty1970 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I guess there is nothing wrong with having an actual or perceived connection to a specific group, I guess it's just a little bit of Tribalism. At least, as long as you feel pride for only the truly positive things that have come from your lineage

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

People never say "I'm proud to be American (but not the bad bits)" do they? It's quite difficult to sit on the fence about it.

What to do with "the anger"?

mt49er comments on Jan 4, 2018:

When you think about it, most everyone is literally in the same position you are, some just don't realize it. They've been lied to and want an honest explanation. However, when dealing with those who have something to hide like religions and countries, you'll only obtain something that is just like ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Yeah let's all wait for god to grant us anything.

What to do with "the anger"?

silvereyes comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I did transform anger into productivity. Creative ventures mostly. Poetry, writing, drawing... but, if you're less into the creative arts- I'm sure it'd be a great way to motivate a good work out. So, take whatever it is you like to do and pour your anger into it. It's refreshing. ; )

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

I always do better paintings when I'm angry or sad.

What to do with "the anger"?

whoHearer comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I don't feel angry about religion or the religious. I accept it as part of the context of their lives, and therefore something I cannot change, so I let it go. I try to not be angry about things I cannot change. Saves me from a lot of stress.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Some people can change though. Look at this site.

What to do with "the anger"?

hotmess69 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I mostly take it out on the children...Seriously though. I'm a teacher and I always do my best to encourage logic, rationality, skepticism, and tolerance in my lessons.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Me too, and if I help them along the way a bit by saying "Can you imagine some people actually believe that?" then hey-ho.

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

GipsyOfNewSpain comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Sorry, don't meant to offend anyone or annoy anyone. I am Proud I may have in my DNA descendant of original tribes dwellers of the caribbean islands. They are just "Tags" Man don't get hung up in too many negative things. We all are proud of our heritage. Were we come from.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Sorry but I have zero feelings of pride in who my ancestors were. To me such matters of chance are totally irrelevant. And that fact that all Europeans are related to Charlemagne leaves me indifferent. And which line do you choose to take? Your mother's? Your father's? Your grandmother's? Your grandfather's? Ad infinitum. Except that after just a few generations any DNA traces may disappear, which doesn't mean your not related to somebody, just that their DNA didn't make it to the top!

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Castlepaloma comments on Jan 5, 2018:

If I say I am not proud of being Canadain. Many would say, why don't you move to Iraq or North Korea? That is why I am not proud of being Canadain because US says we have to fight Iraq or middle east or US will harm our trade deals. Proud is overrated.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Maybe the suggested alternative "I'm happy to be .........." would work?

How do you feel about people saying "I'm proud of my heritage", "I'm proud of being British", etc.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iOmQP9guIl0 ???? George Carlin on national pride - YouTube

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Thankyou. We don't know so much about George Carlin in England, but I'm learning. And I like Happy to be... much better.

Should unbelievers use the word 'spiritual' if they aren't referring to anything supernatural?

CathyD comments on Oct 22, 2017:

I’m not sure why an explanation is needed, because it’s quite personal. But it did make me think, so I appreciate that. I consider myself to be spiritual, but I don’t believe in any supernatural dieties. But when I stand next to a river or listen to a thunderstorm and experience the power of ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

You're experiencing emotion I think

Should unbelievers use the word 'spiritual' if they aren't referring to anything supernatural?

HeathenFarmer comments on Oct 23, 2017:

I did this poll then read others comment, which inspired me to look up the definition of spiritual. Those that say an atheist should not use the word to describe any thing but religion are right since we do not believe in gods or the existence of an eternal soul. I have got to find a new word ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@Paul Yep, and I actually think using the word spiritual is lazy, when we have so many other more precise words to explain our emotions.

Should unbelievers use the word 'spiritual' if they aren't referring to anything supernatural?

mistymoon77 comments on Oct 23, 2017:

That word can mean different things depending on how you put it into context. Being a atheist almost all of my adult life, I feel spirit/soul is who and what we are, what makes up unique or moves us in a sense that makes up happy or however you want to explain it. For example, I will say something ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

And there's the word to use instead of spiritual - emotional.

Should unbelievers use the word 'spiritual' if they aren't referring to anything supernatural?

JackPedigo comments on Oct 23, 2017:

There is a movement to circumvent words with a religious inference. It is similar to a movement, still ongoing, to de-paternalize the vocabulary. There are other words and since words can matter, it is well worth the effort. Besides it can be a fun brain game.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Can you give us some examples?

Do you still have a problem writing god, church, bible, etc, with small letters?

AKS74UPBS1 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

I use God to imply a specific god. It's about it being a name, and you use a capital letter for names. If you intentionally do it to not show respect, the religious people will not respect you. Show respect to get respect. Bible is a word, it does not have to be capatilised, nor does church. ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Missed the point.

Men Or Women? Which Of The Two Is Most Intelligent?

atheist comments on Jan 3, 2018:

The fact is that each is better at some different tasks but overall the intelligence is equal!

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@atheist Whoah! Canada - catch up! Here in England the women's football teams are certainly just as skilled at the mens (though it will take more time for them to overcome male prejudices on the subject), and my 7 year old granddaughter has been playing football since she was 4. So that one's out. Anything else, atheist?

I am pretty new to this site, but is christian slamming a normal part of things here?

marmot84 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Not me... I would argue that though I am an atheist/agnostic I hold Christian values and culture. That is something that I am proud of. I don't mean fundamentalist crap. I mean love thy neighbor and honorable moral stuff like that.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 5, 2018:

@marmot84 - I agree we've come to the end of this discussion. Just one thing I'd like you to think about is this - I have never been able to understand the phrase "I am proud of where I came from!" - It's very similar to "I'm proud to be an American" or "I'm proud of being British" - how can you be proud of something which is pure chance and which you had no part in? It bothers me because such phrases usually precede a declaration of something bad.

Men Or Women? Which Of The Two Is Most Intelligent?

KKGator comments on Jan 3, 2018:

I love these joke polls!

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 4, 2018:

@twshield I can tell you from first hand experience that it was different back then. But men didn't change for the better on their own - they needed a bloody good push and a lot of bra-burning. Hopefully it'll continue.

Best Friend Defends Islam, Bashes Christianity.

Sacha comments on Jan 3, 2018:

I guess what she might be trying to say is that a person that bombs a nightclub/ flies planes into buildings etc.. is not a real muslim or a good muslim... more of a brain washed idiot? Islam in meant to be peaceful. Just a thought :)

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 4, 2018:

@RoboGraham That's what they want you to think. If you ever want to reinforce your atheism, just read the bible. Not just the bits they tell you about. My favourites are Deuteronomy and Leviticus, and of course Job's daughters seducing him and having rampant sex with him, and luckily both got pregnant! - Genesis 19, 30-36.

I am pretty new to this site, but is christian slamming a normal part of things here?

marmot84 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Not me... I would argue that though I am an atheist/agnostic I hold Christian values and culture. That is something that I am proud of. I don't mean fundamentalist crap. I mean love thy neighbor and honorable moral stuff like that.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 4, 2018:

@marmot84 - I'm totally ashamed of the christian culture. It did awful harm.

Bloody hell.

GoldenDoll comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I liked your post.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 4, 2018:

@Ad4hubby - And I liked your LOL

Men Or Women? Which Of The Two Is Most Intelligent?

atheist comments on Jan 3, 2018:

The fact is that each is better at some different tasks but overall the intelligence is equal!

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 4, 2018:

@atheist - go on then, tell me what I can't do (puts power drill down).

I am pretty new to this site, but is christian slamming a normal part of things here?

marmot84 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Not me... I would argue that though I am an atheist/agnostic I hold Christian values and culture. That is something that I am proud of. I don't mean fundamentalist crap. I mean love thy neighbor and honorable moral stuff like that.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 4, 2018:

@marmot84 It'd be good if you could eventually move away from calling them christian values though, and just be glad your a good human, as are many people who are not and have never been christians.

I am pretty new to this site, but is christian slamming a normal part of things here?

Sluggs comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I realize that I have started something that I never intended to start, and due to political climate, and just coming off of the holidays, I am sure that there is more than the usual things going on about it right now. I genuinely apologize for starting something that hit people so hard. This post ...

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 4, 2018:

It's fine. I like the exercise. Too much holiday food.

Men Or Women? Which Of The Two Is Most Intelligent?

Buketoballs43 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I'm saying women, for at least two reasons. Females have had longer to evolve And there must be a reason why males have always tried to use religion or pregnancy or force to delay female progress.

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 4, 2018:

@btroje because in the beginning there were only women, then one of them had a male child....... oh wait, I think I'm making up a new religion....

Men Or Women? Which Of The Two Is Most Intelligent?

KKGator comments on Jan 3, 2018:

I love these joke polls!

GoldenDoll replies on Jan 4, 2018:

@twshield - just because you say a woman is intelligent it doesn't mean you respect her.