One reporter reacts to JKR's revelations

[Carol]

Del wrote:
> <snip> I do hear you, but you don't seem to hear me. I've been
trying to explain that calling those people who have a problem with
homosexuality "bigots" simply because one doesn't agree with them is a
sign of bigotry and intolerance in oneself. Do you hear me when I say
that?

Carol responds:
I agree that the unwillingness to hear views that we consider
offensive is a form of intolerance, as is labeling our own views as
"tolerant" and then having no tolerance for those who don't share
them. Maybe we should just ban the b-word ("bigot")? Then maybe we
could express our ideas without labeling those whose views we disagree
with as bigoted or intolerant.

If, for example, someone on this list were to argue that women should
not be allowed to stay home and be housewives because housework is
degrading, I would probably consider that person an idiot, but I
wouldn't use the word on this list. He or she has the right to be
wrong (assuming that I'm right in this instance). Or if I want to say
that illegal immigrants should be sent back over the border (just as
an example of an opinion some people might consider "intolerant"), I
have the right not only to write those words but to defend them
without being attacked. Perhaps we should respond to the ideas
themselves rather than to the speaker. ("I disagree because . . ." not
"You're a bigot and you're hurting my feelings.")

That man I mentioned earlier (whose name, unfortunately, I didn't
catch) who believes that he was "cured" of homosexuality also has the
right to speak without being attacked and the right to be heard
without being hissed or booed by people who think he's--what? Deluded?
Evil? Brain-washed? Wrong? Should researchers whose studies indicate
that homosexuality is not inborn be prevented from publishing the
results of their studies for fear of offending those who believe
otherwise? Does a mother whose homosexual son died of AIDS not have
the right to blame his death on his lifestyle even if she's wrong?
Should we not listen to her and comfort her rather than calling her a
bigot? People on all sides of the spectrum have feelings. That's part
of the human condition.

Carol, using the word "bigot" only to illustrate her points and not to
label anyone