Question My dad was the "technology and budget guy" for the government for 3 years (mark forman is my dad) than my dad left to be executive vice president of this startup company cassatt. Being Jewish, I go to a Jewish private school and I ma at one totally biased. it calls itself connservative but it is really renewal reform (judaism where lesbians are allowed, praises god only in english) My teachers state their opinions for example my english teacher said "If Bobby Kennedy wasn't shot, he would be the president right now" or "Nathan, Zip up your jacket some students find that shirt offending" (the shirt said scary kerry) my jewish studies teacher says that "bush is a christian fundementalist part of a group trying to bring back jesus" there is even a girl at my school who has lesbian parents (and is jewish) who continuassly argues with me about bush's opinions. I am a good debater and have convinced some people to become republicans but how do i deal with the overbiasedness (for lack of better words)?
Answer Nathan,
All you can do is tell them the facts and argue logically. Unfortunately, some will refuse to see the truth because it conflicts with what THEY were told their entire lives.
As you already know, there are different kinds of "conservatives." The definition changes from country to country, and in the U.S., from age to age. What is a "conservative" today is nothing like it was in the 1960s.
There are also fiscal conservatives and social conservatives. They may both consider themselves "conservative," but they believe in two different ways to view life. When you get to religious "conservatives," there as many of those as you could possible want.
Your teacher is incorrect about Bush belonging to a conservative branch of evangelicals that want to bring Jesus "back." There is a belief in some Christian sects that Jesus will return, and judge people and nations by comparing how they lived their life, AND how they dealt with Israel and Jews in general.
If Bush belongs to this sect, it would explain why he has done more for Israel than any other U.S. President. I say if, because Bush has never publicly said that he was part of this sect. Generally though, there aren't any Christians that I know that believe there is anything that man can do to "make" the "Second Coming" occur quicker than it is supposed to happen. Although, I do recall some group that believes that Jesus will return after the Jewish Temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem.
Generally though, you can use the following as a guide - "Conservatives" believe in good and evil. Evil exists, and in some cases there is no negotiating with it. You either must destroy it, or it destroys you. This covers individuals, events, and nations.
Liberals on the other hand believe in the general "goodness" of man. They have a core belief that anyone can be changed, rehabilitated, convinced, etc. That is why you find "liberals" more on the anti-war, pro-environment, side. It also explains why personal autonomy (choice) is important to "liberals." They believe that the choice will eventually be "good."
As for your other teachers, I think the one meant Bobby Kennedy would have been elected President in 1968 had he not been shot, and he/she may be right. Kennedy was on an electoral roll when he got shot. He just won primaries in Indiana, Nebraska and California, and was planning a trip to Poland where they loved him. It was possible that when the Democratic Convention took place in Chicago, Kennedy would have had enough momentum to win over the delegates. However, he would not be President "now." He'd probably be dead by now.
As for the other one and your "offending" shirt, its your choice based on how much trouble you would get in, but you could tell him/her that everyone is responsible for their own emotions, and if someone is upset with your shirt - well that's something they'll have to learn to deal with. Just as you would have to deal with your emotions if somebody wore a "Bush Sucks" shirt, or showed up at your school with a Nazi swastika on their shirt.
Of course, be aware there "dealing" with their emotions may mean you get punched in the nose, but that's the consequences we all have to take when we do something. Just like the guy who punched you will have to deal with the consequences of that action.
Good luck with your discussion. You will find them frustrating, mostly because people don't want to change what they already believe. The status quo is just fine, thank you very much. Just remember that in most of these discussions, you're on the right side of the arguments (little pun there).
