You should respect my beliefs!
Really? should I?
hi. My name Is Aidin and this is Neek Podcast.

You probably have heard this phrase before.
Or maybe you yourself believe in it.
How true do you think it is?
Should we respect each other’s beliefs?
Are ideologies respectful at all?
How can someone disrespect someone’s beliefs?
Let’s find out!

The first thing we should do is to define disrespect.
Some people think that denying their beliefs is disrespecting them and some people think that insulting their beliefs is disrespecting them and some people think that both are an act of disrespecting.
About the first group, what we must pay attention to is that there are lots and lots of different beliefs and ideologies. And some of them completely deny the other ones.
For example, Muslims believe that drinking wine is Haram or forbidden, however drinking wine is a part of Christians’ weekly ceremony. So, how can we respect all of them if respecting one means disrespecting another one.
Or the better question is, “Is denying or objecting to a belief equal with  disrespecting it?”
My answer is no.
Let me tell you my reason.
If we can’t deny each other’s beliefs, we can never improve them.
Rejecting and objecting are the reasons why we have made progress through the history.
It’s the way of science and philosophy. It’s the way that has always existed.
Someone, a scientist or a philosopher says something, and then some people start discussing it and then try to deny it. if they succeed, that idea goes into the trash of history, but if they fail, that idea becomes a fact. Becomes the truth.
And that’s how we progress.
So, in my opinion talking or discussing or trying to deny an ideology, is in no way disrespectful, but it’s also constructive.
In fact that’s what we should do in order to improve.

Now let’s talk about the second group.
I agree that we shall never insult each other’s beliefs. It is really rude.
but should we get upset when someone insults our beliefs?
Why do we get sad? Because as Dr. Yung said once we think that our beliefs are a part of our personality. A part of us. But in fact they are not. We, as human beings, have a lot more value.
So, that is why I think we should not get so offended and sad when someone insults our beliefs.
As Bertrand Russell once said: people are respectful. Not ideas.
there is an old story about an emperor written by Hans Christian Anderson.
I think it is a great story about why we should be brave enough to say others are wrong. Even if “others” means everyone else.  Let’s hear it.

The emperor’s new clothes. By Hans Christian Anderson.
There once was an Emperor who loved nothing better than wearing fancy new clothes. Three times a day he would change into a brand-new royal outfit.  Many Emperors spend their days talking to advisers and fixing problems of the land. Not this one!  He was too busy sending out his servants to find the next great outfit to wear.

One day two strangers came to town. They said they were tailors. They said the clothes they make were the finest anyone would ever see. But in fact, they were not tailors – they were lying.

These fake tailors said their clothes were more beautiful than any other, BUT it could not be seen by just anyone.  Only the people who were truly the son of their fathers could actually see the magical outfit. People who were not – well, they would see nothing at all. 

Soon, word reached the Emperor about these two tailors and their fine clothing.  

 And the Emperor went to see the two fake tailors. When he arrived, he asked to see the magical clothes.  The clever tailors pointed at an empty corner. They said with pride, “Look at these piles of fine clothes!  Surely you have never seen colors as bright as these, the patterns as beautiful!”  The Emperor could not understand – he did not see any cloth, anywhere! 

The Emperor thought, “I cannot let anyone that I cannot see this magical clothing!  Who knows what they may think of me!”  So instead he said, “Indeed!  This is the most beautiful piece of clothing anyone has ever seen! In fact, I like to buy one. That one please!”

And pointed somewhere at the empty table

As it turns out, the Emperor’s grand annual Parade was coming up soon.  This was a special day when everyone in the kingdom lined up to admire the Emperor and cheer him as he walked by. This year the Emperor wanted an outfit finer than ever before.

The Emperor paid the money.

On the morning of the parade, the Emperor came to the tailors’ shop.  He felt sure that this time he would be able to see the clothes. But still, the Emperor saw nothing!

When it was time for the Emperor to get undressed, the clever tailors said, “These clothes are so light and airy it will feel as if you have nothing on at all.”  And indeed, that is how it seemed to the Emperor.

For, when he looked in the mirror, he saw in the reflection that he was wearing nothing.  But he thought, really, he must be wearing a very grand outfit.  One worth all the extra money he had spent.

At the Parade, the Emperor walked tall and proud. Each person who saw him go by thought, “I cannot believe what I am seeing! The Emperor is wearing no clothes. 

But each person said nothing.  They knew that only people who were the child of their fathers could see the magical clothes. So instead they cheered, “There goes the Emperor!  Doesn’t he look fine!”

All of a sudden, one little boy called out, “Look!  The Emperor has no clothes!”  Everyone gasped.  Then another child called out, “Look at him!  He has nothing on at all!”

Then someone laughed.  And someone else.  Then more and more people started to laugh. Someone said aloud, “Would you look at that?  Our Emperor has no clothes!” 

Soon, everyone was calling out and laughing.

Oh dear!” thought the Emperor. “Now everyone knows I could not see the clothes!  They will know I didn’t speak up because I was afraid of what people would think of me. What will they think of me now?” 

But the parade must go on.  And so the Emperor continued to walk.  And the servants behind him continued to hold high the tale of the cloth that wasn’t there.

So, we saw that if no one is brave enough to say an idea or a belief is wrong, people will live a lie. I think we should always be able to have doubt about every idea. Whether it’s ours or someone else’s.
Russell has also said once:

Those who do not want to doubt their beliefs are bigots,
those who are afraid to doubt their beliefs are slaves,
and those who cannot doubt their beliefs are fools.

So, I hope you always doubt your beliefs and have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.

Vocabulary and Explanation:

1. Ideology (ایده‌آلوژی): A system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.
   • Example: The party has a coherent set of ideologies.
2. Haram (حرام): An Arabic term meaning forbidden.
   • Example: Consuming pork is considered haram in Islam.
3. Deny (انکار کردن): To state that one refuses to admit the truth or existence of.
   • Example: He denies any wrongdoing on his part.
4. Constructive (سازنده): Having or intended to have a useful or beneficial purpose.
   • Example: The feedback was constructive and helped improve the project.
5. Offend (توهین کردن): Cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful.
   • Example: He was afraid that his comments might offend someone.
6. Tailor (خیاط): A person whose occupation is making fitted clothes such as suits, trousers, and jackets.
   • Example: The suit was custom-made by a famous tailor.
7. Adviser (مشاور): A person who gives advice in a particular field.
   • Example: He acted as the president’s chief foreign policy adviser.
8. Annual (سالانه): Occurring once every year.
   • Example: The company hosts an annual conference for its employees.
9. Bigot (تعصبی): A person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions.
   • Example: Society should have no place for bigots and hate.

• Slaves (برده‌ها): A person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them.

• Example: Slaves were brought from Africa to work in plantations.

Throughout history, belief systems have been a significant part of human evolution. They have guided societal norms, behaviors, and even entire civilizations. These systems of belief, whether religious, political, or social, have given individuals a sense of identity and purpose. However, the complex interaction of different beliefs has also led to conflicts and debates. A significant aspect of this interaction is the respect we give to each other’s beliefs. While it’s essential to value and respect individual beliefs, it’s equally vital to create an environment where these beliefs can be discussed, questioned, and changed. Such an environment creates understanding and progress.

 

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think there’s a difference between respecting a person and respecting their beliefs?
2. How do you approach conversations with someone whose beliefs strongly differ from yours?
3. Why do you think people sometimes feel personally attacked when their beliefs are questioned?
4. Is it possible to coexist peacefully with conflicting belief systems in a society? How can this be achieved?
5. How can we differentiate between a constructive critique of a belief and an outright insult?
6. What role does education play in shaping our beliefs and our reactions to opposing beliefs?

How do stories, like “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” highlight the dangers of collective thinking and the importance of indi