“It’s a pretty fair bet that if somebody is calling somebody else a ‘moron,’ an ‘imbecile,’ or even a ‘retard,’ they are not making a neurological diagnosis of developmental cognitive delays: they are expressing personal contempt.”
Or, they may be expressing contempt for the theological correctness and intellectual capacity of the individual.
There are folks I know whom I love who are, nonetheless, morons. They are not literally morons as once defined by psychologists, but their actions are so gosh-darned stupid, exasperatingly stupid, wrong=headed, self-damaging, that all one can do is shake one’s head and love them. But they are still morons.
I could tell you stories...
“The person being exposed to contempt is Archbishop George...Calling him a heretical moron, in this context, is unjust and stupid and vicious.”
As I previously, stated, I don’t pay much attention to Cardinal George, so I’ll withhold judgment.
“That’s my judgment. A judgment I am entitled to make.”
Sure. No problem. But others might differ. Not sure they don’t have the same rights you have. Although I’d be careful with the word “vicious,” as, depending on the meaning, that could easily care with it judgment about intent that is not readily manifested.
And THAT would be unjust.
sitetest
“care” should be “carry.”
My (earnest, obstinate) point remains: you've got a right, even a duty, to judge ideas, words, actions. But it is not right to display contempt for the person.
Especially not right to display contempt for a person who, in context, has said and done no wrong.
Easy contempt is not a heaven-inspired impulse. It's one of the besetting sins of our age. It --- I can testify to this --- gets to be a bad habit. And it's way too emotionally self-indulgent. (I would know about this as well...)