04.09Darwin Fish – Offensive? (opinion)
I have seen the darwin fish on the backs of cars but have never thought that they were offensive. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would agree with something coming from the LA Times. After reading this article, I understand the perspective of the writer. I have officially changed my opinion of the “Darwin” fish. If it was the Star of David, with the words “In Pharaoh We Trust” written inside, would it be considered offensive to Jews? Maybe. Would you consider driving a car with a Star of David and those words written inside? I doubt it.
Darwin fish are often stuck next to bumper stickers promoting tolerance or admonishing random motorists that “hate is not a family value.” But the whole point of the Darwin fish is intolerance; similar mockery of a cherished symbol would rightly be condemned as bigoted if aimed at blacks or women or, yes, Muslims.
Evolution of Religious Bigotry – News Article (here)
I realize that I live in the greatest country on God’s green earth, and that denying someone freedom of expression is like denying someone air. But this sentence from the article sums it up very well and is pivotal in my decision to change my stance.
But the most annoying aspect of the Darwin fish is the false bravado it represents. It’s a courageous pose without consequence.
In other countries, making fun of the predominant religion could get you killed. Are you really that brave? Or are you, in reality, hiding behind the endless line of soldiers who died to give you the freedom you enjoy? Taking pot shots at our leaders and putting spiffy godless bumper stickers on our cars certainly is a freedom of expression, but is it the right expression? Even if you find a regular Jesus fish stupid, perhaps you could just bite your tongue. That seems more tolerant to me.
[Update: Within 5 minutes of me posting, these nice contextual ads started appearing on my page. In my tolerance, I'll leave the ads untouched and post a picture here in case they go away. This is the definition of Irony.]
Unfortunately, it is not in popularity to be Christian in these times, however, it was not popular in Jesus’ time either. In spite of that fact.Christianity has survived for over 2,000 years and will survive forever and ever. The Darwin fish is nothing but ignorance and vicious behavior, not against Christians but against God Himself and His Son, Jesus, which is totally uncalled for.
April 10th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Darwin fish=driver begging to be told he is #1
April 11th, 2008 at 3:53 am
Great perspective, Shawn. I didn’t read the article, but the quotes and your interpretations make perfects sense. I still have the same Darwin fish on my car that I’ve had for years. At the time I first placed it on my car, it was meant to be a jab at the Christians I felt were intolerant towards Atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, or anyone else of a faith other than their own. In other words, it was symbol of my intolerance of intolerance.
These days, I keep the symbol simply to let people know that I subscribe to the theory of evolution, and am an Atheist. It isn’t meant as an attack against anyone. I concede though, that it is a mockery of a very sacred symbol. There’s probably a more appropriate way to convey that message these days, however.
I would disagree with previous comments stating that the Darwin fish is a sign of “ignorance and vicious behavior”. While it may be true in some cases, I don’t think it’s true in many. Also, the word “ignorance” is a bit broad. Ignorance of what? Religion, Christianity, Evolution? As for the term “vicious”, that could warrant an entire debate on what qualifies as vicious behavior. I would suggest that Christians carrying signs that read “God Hates F*gs” is more vicious than a bumper sticker, but that is subjective.
I got off track, but I did enjoy reading your post and the comments. I may actually end up getting a new sticker for my car that more closely reflects my views at this time.
Rob
May 3rd, 2008 at 10:43 pm