Why are some people so angry with people who have different beliefs?

Question

I know that they are scared first and foremost, look at Ms. Janie. But why so harsh? I believe in equal rights for all humans, and I believe in conserving our planet for my children and theirs children and so on. BUT that really makes some people scared and angry?!? WHY?

I guess I just have little tolerance with hatred and anger, especially when it is just because of opinions. It is sad that people can't get past what "they think" to see that we are all fighting a hard battle, together. I do enjoy other people's opinions, but when it gets personal it is bothersome on so many levels. Honestly, things such as my political or religious leanings should never escalate into a interpersonal struggle. And I apologize Ms. Janie.

Since a few people wondered what my environmental beliefs are I will tell you:
-Start using e-bills / internet notices instead of snail mail...SECU spends $800,000/month on sending out paper statements, think about how many trees that takes.
-If you can afford it, get solar panels for electricity, it is cheaper in the long run.
-Reuse, reduce, and recycle.
-Buy local foods, this cuts down on gas and waste (delivery and packaging) and it helps to boost your local economy.
-Walk if you can, instead of driving, unless it is too far or the weather is not permitting.
-But organic, this cuts out harmful pesticides and chemicals from the environment and your body.
NOW does that anger anyone, or make me sound like a raving mad liberal?

Since a few people wondered what my environmental beliefs are I will tell you:
-Start using e-bills / internet notices instead of snail mail...SECU spends $800,000/month on sending out paper statements, think about how many trees that takes.
-If you can afford it, get solar panels for electricity, it is cheaper in the long run.
-Reuse, reduce, and recycle.
-Buy local foods, this cuts down on gas and waste (delivery and packaging) and it helps to boost your local economy.
-Walk if you can, instead of driving, unless it is too far or the weather is not permitting, and it is better for your health.
-But organic, this cuts out harmful pesticides and chemicals from the environment and your body.
NOW does that anger anyone, or make me sound like a raving mad liberal?

Answer 1

Because your "beliefs" threaten their fantasy world of absolute right and wrong, and an eternal heaven only for those who think and believe as they do.

Some people not only don't care about conserving our planet for our children, they are actively working to foster its destruction -- because they believe their "second coming" won't happen until the earth is destroyed. They believe "any day now" their fairy-tale god is going to show up and take them up to heaven -- why conserve the planet when it's all going to be over soon? You're a threat to that fantasy -- and people often react violently when their absolutist ideas are threatened.

Central to the belief of a reward in heaven is punishment in hell for sinners -- if the sinners aren't going to be punished, then heaven is no reward for toeing the line. People who believe such things *require* identification of "evil" people to differentiate themselves as the "good" people. They're taught to hate "evil" people -- which is anyone who doesn't believe exactly as they do. That's where the hatred and anger come from.

Answer 2

Because most people don't like the fact that they have to share this world with others. People like yourself see the big picture and trying to make it better for everyone, not just themselves. I actually categorize myself as being more on the right side of the political spectrum and it is partially to do with the fact that I was brought up in a very conservative household. It appears that a lot of people, frankly, are ignorant, uneducated and lazy to learn and respect all aspects. I really wonder how those folks that get angry at the people pushing about the environment would react if they actually woke up in the world in 100 years and see how horrific our acts today were on our planet.

Answer 3

ther it is the age old question,why?for which there is no answer.

the individual that gets so angry is the only one who could give you the answer in this instence .

beliefs are individual choices and if you question someone about their beliefs some might take it wrongly and think you are tring to attack them.

I think a quick tempered person has insecurity issues.If I was to ask you to explain how your efforts to conserve our planet for your children are any different from mine?
would you point out anyway that you do a better job than I .
I believe in conserving our planet for our children and teach my children how important our planet is to all who live on it.

the part that might scare people and make them angry is how you word your beliefs when addressing those who differ from your beliefs.

Answer 4

Angry? Who's angry and who cares if someone is angry?

We all have different beliefs. We must actualize this understanding. It is only emotional immaturity that causes anger.

For example: would you get angry if someone broke into your home, wrecked it and stole a bunch of stuff?

I certainly wouldn't be angry. I would be dissappointed mabye but mostly at myself for not better protecting the junk I've accumulated. However, in my case, that situation is likely never to occur because I avoid the trappings of vanity better than most Americans I know.

The same is true with other people's beliefs no matter what they are. Does this mean I have to accept their beliefs? Hardly - I only have to accept that they have the belief instead of allowing their belief to influence my beliefs.

I certainly would avoid being angry just because someone believes something or fails to believe in something. Does this mean I will fail to tell them pointblank that they are naive or an imbecile or whatever is fitting to their silly rationalizations?

Hardly. But getting angry is just a sign of emotional unintelligence.

Answer 5

Well, because one's beliefs, their belief system and principles are VERY personal. So, if you question them or disagree, then you are critiquing them as a person and going against their beliefs.

Some can be mature and accept difference of opinion or even listen and be swayed to chaning an opinion. But in general people get very defensive about thier view of right and wrong.

And if you're advocating something that impacts one's life-- money, food, morals, life itself etc- then you're treading on dangerous ground. For example-- If somebody says we should raise taxes on X group, then you're potentially advocating reaching into somebody's pocket to take MORE of their money. That can't elicit a happy response.

Answer 6

I believe so much humans have the have to suppose awesome. Therefore, they get irritated whilst others simply do not believe them and recognize that they have got unusual know-how at the field! (some thing it's- faith, baseball, politics,race family members and so on..) I relatively believe that humans who declare to be christian or are devout will have to train what they're intended to be preaching. The legislation supply us the option to do well or dedicate a criminal offense. Even god offers everybody the option/proper to suppose or no longer suppose. Are they relatively beneath the affect they're being handy to their motive via being imply or criticizing others for having distinct recommendations? They are being prejudice which isn't an excessively christian like trait!

Answer 7

I do get angry when I see someone spreading falsehoods as if they were Gospel. I want point out any issues in particular but on many hot button issues people spout off opinions or even jokes and try to present them as facts or base their beliefs on someone else opinion without looking at the facts. This does anger me if they are voting or trying to sway someone to vote based on falsehoods. I have actually heard someone say they were voting for a candidate because the candidate was going to win and he wanted to vote for the winner. People treat our political process as if it is a joke and then gripe when things go wrong.
I welcome discussions with people who have differing opinions if they are informed and not just spouting trash. There are plenty of people who I disagree with politically or personally who I enjoy talking to or listening to (John Stewart, Mark Liven, Rush Limbaugh, Dennis Miller,)

Answer 8

I don't know who Ms. Janie is.

People have all different views. Sometimes it makes me angry to hear what people think, or more likely sad that (in my opinion) they do not understand the situation.

But in the end I try not to let an anonymous poster on a message board ruin my day.

Answer 9

Im not afraid of that and it doesnt anger me. If you go into detail as to what you feel should be done to conserve our planet I may have a disagreement, for instance I think the theory of global warming is pure rubbish, but if you believe in that Im not going to get mad. I have never felt afraid of someone elses beliefs. If I think your wrong, then thats what I think, but peoples ideas dont scare me, if anything its the opposite, and they humor me. The only belief that I have that makes me angry when people dont agree is my belief that abortion is murder and should be illegal. I guess I get angry because I feel so emotional for the unborn child. Maybe Im wrong to get angry but I just cant help it, that topic makes my blood boil.

Answer 10

some people are stuck in there ways.They think of today and not tomorrow.Our powers want to have control over us as well as the world.they don't have respect for mother nature.Greed is controlling the world now.its not equality,its not love and its not peace.if we all had a universal language this world would be a better place.but you have people despite if they're wrong they are to proud to admit it.your right, equal rights for all humans and conserving our planet should be a universal belief.