The words “bigot” and “intolerant” are, admittedly, bandied about quite liberally. This being said, these are also words that are labled upon a person quite correctly, but the bigot and/or intolerant person refuses to acknowledge the label.
To the bigots and intolerants of the world, embrace your labels if any of these definitions apply to you:
big·ot, ˈbi-gət, noun: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance
Of course, we then need a definition of intolerant:
intolerant, adj: 1. unable or unwilling to endure 2 a: unwilling to grant equal freedom of expression especially in religious matters b: unwilling to grant or share social, political, or professional rights : bigoted 3: exhibiting physiological intolerance
(Merriam-Webster)
So, are many California Prop 8 supporters intolerant bigots on the issue? Absolutely. Are some California Prop 8 opposers? Yup. Alas, we find that Prop 8 opponents and proponents have more in common than they think!
And, a last food for thought: Is it ever okay to be intolerant? Is it okay to be intolerant of intolerance?
