I am the king of rationalization, but I fear I’m about to lose my crown. In the past I have successfully been able to rationalize my utter refusal to tip on to-go orders at restaurants because as far as I’m concerned, if I’m not expected to tip at Burger King than I shouldn’t have to tip for a pick-up at Chili’s. I have skillfully internalized my justification for tailgating cars during rush hour because if I leave the proper space other cars will simply cut me off. But on the issue of my desire to justify my bigoted, and sometimes murderous, actions towards spiders I find that I’m failing. As much as I would like to think that because spiders scare and disgust me that it’s appropriate for me to refer to them as eight-legged freaks or the creepy crawling spawn of Satan, the fact remains that it still qualifies as blatant spider bigotry. Trying to rationalize bigotry is as inappropriate as it is impossible because bigotry is never acceptable, a concept that needs to be reinforced here in Utah.
The demographics of Salt Lake City has undergone a dramatic change during the last decade as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now represent less than half of the city’s population. Despite the fact that Democrats dominate the political landscape in Salt Lake, it’s the Republicans — and the powerful influence of the LDS Church — that still determines many of the states laws. With recent hot button issues such as the continuation of Utah’s antiquated liquor laws and the fight against same-sex marriage dominating the headlines, animosity towards the LDS Church and its members is at a boiling point. It’s during times like these that cooler heads need to prevail. Despite the understandable grievances against the LDS church, it is imperative that civility reigns over bigotry.
It’s important to distinguish bigotry from the criticism that the LDS Church receives about its policies on issues like same-sex marriage or those who may joke about the many eccentricities of the religion. For example the wildly successful “Book of Mormon” musical is founded on catchy tunes that make fun of Mormon culture but doesn’t quite cross the line into outright bigotry, though it can be argued that the lyrics suggesting that Mormons are empty-headed simpletons who can’t think for themselves comes close. It’s highly doubtful that the creators of “Book of Mormon,” Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone, could have escaped the cries of bigotry if their musical had made fun of Jews or Catholics instead.
According to Merriam-Webster, a bigot is defined as “a person who strongly and unfairly dislikes other people, ideas, etc.: a person who hates or refuses to accept the members of a particular group (such as a racial or religious group).” This is the definition that separates those who take umbrage at the actions of the LDS Church because of social and political differences through legitimate disapproval from those who choose to strike back with vile insults and obvious bias. If political candidates rely on sample polling to get a gist of the current political climate, then relying on the comment section of local newspapers can also offer a glimpse into the current mood of a community.
For those who aren’t sure what religious bigotry looks like, I would suggest entering the comment section of any Salt Lake Tribune article that involves the LDS Church. The difference between constructive criticism and blatant bigotry is instantly obvious. Mixed in with comments that reasonably reproach the social policies of the LDS Church are just as many that are filled with the hateful and insulting language that define bigotry. These comments include calling members of the LDS Church “idiots,” making fun of their “magic underwear,” using derogatory terms such as “MoMos” and referring to LDS Church founder Joseph Smith as “ol’ Joe” or “Joe Smith.” These types of comments are strong, unfair and exhibit signs of hate, all of which are elements that qualify as religious bigotry. What’s most disturbing about these kinds of comments is the fact that, rather than other users rebuking the person for their bigoted statements, they are generally given multiple “likes.” If this type of wording was being used to describe other religious groups or members of the LGBT community, there would be an instant outcry of indignation.
Regardless of how despicable the actions of the LDS Church may seem to others, there is never an excuse for bigoted language. Yet that is exactly the excuse many people will use for their own prejudice, suggesting that their bigotry is justified because the LDS church is also bigoted. Well, as the old adage goes, you don’t fight fire with fire. And as for my own twisted bias towards, spiders the definition of bigotry does not include arachnids, so as far as I’m concerned I can still retain my crown. After all, I’m the reigning king of rationalization.
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