Should I become a more tolerant, open minded person?

At one time or another, we all wonder how others perceive us.
Since self reflection is difficult at best and most people
won't give you an honest opinion, I decided to look at how others think
about those similar to me. I know that this is not the best way to do
it, but perhaps by seeing what others say about those that hold similar
values and opinions, I can get a rough estimate about myself. (Note:
the data has been gathered over many years and from a variety of
sources) (Note 2: My self assessment is in italics to give my stance on said issue)

On coming from a small town in the hills of eastern Kentucky:

I am close minded, uneducated, ignorant, xenophobic, a redneck and a hillbilly.


I am very open minded, educated, nice,
caring, and enjoy the simple things in life

On leaning toward conservatism politically:

I am intolerant, big business, a crook, a liar, stupid, a prick, an asshole, a capitalist pig.

Actually, I am none of those, well I am an occasional asshole and I do believe in capitalism.


On religion:

I am close minded, stupid, silly, ignorant, intolerant, anti-sex, anti other religions, an oppressor, unintelligent and a bible thumper.

While not religious to a tee and by no means living at the foot of the cross, I think that there is apparently a need to believe
in something larger than ones self or else so many people wouldn't be
touched by it. Lost is the arrogance of youth I once held thinking that
I knew all the answers. Now I am comfortable thinking that perhaps I
don't know it all.

On abortion:

I am ignorant, an oppressor of womens rights, intolerant, sexist, a chauvinist pig

I think that there should be some personal responsibility placed on us all. While I can understand that there are cases where it is called for, I don't not think that it is the best solution to the
problem.

On affirmative action:

I am a racist, the man, a white devil, an oppressor, a hater

I think that a person should be judged on their merits and hard work, not on the color of their skin. To be given something simply because of your race is demeaning and unfair.

On gay marriage:

I am close minded, intolerant, ignorant, a homophobe, an oppressor

I feel that the tradition of marriage is
between a man and a woman, plain and simple.

On the war and the military:

I am a murder, a fascist, a terrorist, I condone torture, an imperialist,
stupid, insane, a war monger, an oppressor, intolerant of other cultures

I feel that at times, wars and force are
called for. Even though it is not pretty, I enjoy my way of life here
and wish everyone could have the same freedoms that I do.

On illegal immigration:


I am a racist, a xenophobe and intolerant

I feel that it is a privilege
to live here in the US. I know far too many people that have worked
their asses off to get here the right way only to see
others reap the same benefits with none of the effort.


Ok,
I kind of chose these topics for a reason. They seem to elicit the most
passionate responses from people when pleading their side of it. I also
chose them for another reason. The ones that usually refer to those
like me in the terms used above are the ones that claim to be the
opposite of me...the open minded
and the tolerant, the caring and compassionate.

Funny thing is, when I think about others that see things differently than I
do or read others opinions on the same issues, words like silly and
arrogant come to mind. Not very powerful words when compared now is it.
Wonder if I should become more like them...more tolerant of others
opinions, others ideas, others beliefs and start voicing my opinion in
the language that they seem to prefer?...

Nah, I think I'll just stay an ignorant,intolerant, close minded, conservative hillbilly redneck a little while longer.