. It’s ok to say “that believe grandma is wrong hecause.... I think grandmas brain doesn’t work right because... in our family we value respecting people who are different”. Etc |
+1 One of my students mentioned the other day that “it’s not right for two women to be married.” As the teacher, I didn’t want to engage in a political conversation, but it was important to me not to sweep it under the rug, not least because one of my other students had two moms, and to do so would have legitimized the other student’s beliefs to her. I kept to the facts (“In this country, a person can legally marry who they love, no matter the genders”), and while there was a bit of debate, I got a note later that afternoon thanking me for addressing the issue. |
Ok, calling Grandma nuts isn't nice. But this isn't about "disagreement" or "discord" -- This is about fact. Everyone who says boys can't marry boys is simply wrong. Parents have a responsibility to call out bigotry even if it's coming from Grandma's mouth. At least, if we ever hope to end bigotry. |
Science discussions, on the other hand, are much easier. The Earth was not created in only a few days and it is not significantly younger than carbon dating proves. I'd focus on the science, how some of her beliefs are so clearly inconsistent with rational thinking, and so by the time you get to the values discussions her opinions don't carry any weight anyway. |
| We flat out told our kids that there are people like Grandma and Grandpa who are wrong and probably crazy. |
That's exactly what OP is trying to do -- fight the people in our country (however many there are) who are still bigoted against gays. The best way to deal with people who believe "differently" about civil rights is to tell your child "She's wrong. Ignore her." |
Define crazy. |
So anyone who does not agree with your beliefs is crazy? Donald, is that you? |
You are about 15 years behind the times. 63% of the country now believes that same sex marriage is a constitutional right. |
| Just tell him "Grandma's wrong. You can marry whoever you want as long as they want to marry you too. Let Grandma believe what she wants. We'll just know she's wrong, and that's okay. Everyone doesn't have to agree about everything." |
Exactly! Should we also “respect the beliefs” of those opposed to interracial marriage? Allowing women to become doctors? |
Trying to train your grandchild to hate people because they're different from you. |
PP you replied to. No. It's recognizing that some relatives views will never change, and making a decision as to whether to cut them off or not. For every example, there's a counter example: my grandparents' generation was extremely racist and classist. My parents' generation is much less so. And my cousins and I are progressive. All without rocking the boat. |
+1000 There are actually a lot of people who agree with your mother, OP. Obviously, as the child's mother, your POV holds greater sway, but who are you to say that she is wrong? |
Anyone whose beliefs actively strip rights or privileges from others they they enjoy in the traditional majority are wrong, yes. this stupid arguement that tolerant people must accept intolerance or arr hypocrites needs to die. it's ridiculous and everyone who makes that arguement knows it |