Subj : Re: "I hate the Lefties,
To   : Mike Powell
From : Jeff Thiele
Date : Sat Aug 20 2022 12:46:25

On 20 Aug 2022, Mike Powell said the following...
 MP> A lot of people do things/have habits that are pointless.  As long as
 MP> they are not doing them to harm me or others, it is not really my
 MP> concern.  I am guessing that both you and I have habits that are
 MP> pointless but we do them anyway.

There's also the notion of shibboleths, things -- usually habits or
ideosyncracies -- that re used to identify people as part of the "in" group
(or, conversely, an "out" group). Consequently there is pressure to practice
these habits to be recognized as part of the "in" group.

 MP> A lot of people, religious and not, virtue signal, too.  It can be
 MP> annoying but not usually worth my worry, so long as they are only
 MP> signaling and not trying to force their beliefs on me.

I agree, except that I would change "me" to "me or anyone else."

 MP> I disagree with pressuring others as being part of the "only" purpose. 
 MP> As stated above, some people do things that are just habits.  I am
 MP> guessing that most of them really believe that it will add to their
 MP> safety or success, much like a lucky rabbit's foot or four-leaf clover
 MP> charm.  Do those also offend you?

Not as such, no. One person using these things would not be an issue. But if
someone were selling such talismans by making the outright claim that they
would improve one's fortune, that would be an issue. And if someone in a
position of authority held pre-game ceremonies for which possession of such a
talisman by each participant were required, that would also be an issue.

We don't allow people to make unproven claims when selling herbal concoctions
and the like; why should we allow it for other items, including belief
systems?

Jeff.

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