What is yr definition of persecution?

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   jlparkposted 10 years ago

   What is yr definition of persecution?
   
   What do you view as 'being persecuted?' Or being a victim of 'persecution'? A lot of people have different definitions of it - I'd like to know what you think it is - but here is The dictionary def -
   1. To oppress or harass with ill-treatment, especially because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs.'

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   Zelkiiroposted 10 years ago

   If you live in the United States and you're not female/black/Hispanic/gay/transgender, then you'll never know what persecution is.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I'm both female + gay, so I've experienced it. I'd like to know what other people think it is as I have seen some people cry persecution for something that isn't that at all. What do you think constitutes persecution?

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      Zelkiiroposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Persecution is that line where harassment turns into assault, based purely on gender/ethnicity.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for clarifying

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   Nateerrrposted 10 years ago

   Persecution to me is harassment or ill treatment from others because of things which cannot be helped (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.), or for things which all people have inherent rights to express (holding particular religious/political views, opinions on certain topics, etc.). Below this is criticism which is also something people have a right to do, but doesn't cause the criticised any hassle or difficulty in their normal life. Above this is discrimination, where the targets are denied their basic rights (free speech, right to vote, access to services and products, etc.), which I think most people would agree is inherently wrong. The lines between this are murky at best and it's extremely difficult in some cases to pinpoint exactly which is taking place.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Naterr for a well thought out answer. It is true, I think that it is murky at times. However,  I think a handful of people confuse disagreement/criticism with persecution, but I'll wait to see if it's only me who thinks it. Thanks

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   JThomp42posted 10 years ago

   This is the definition I got from an online dictionary jl: a program or campaign to exterminate, drive away, or subjugate a people because of their religion, race, or beliefs.
   
   I believe persecution is exactly what the dictionary has described.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for answering JT. Mine is also from an online dictionary JT but includes other groups subject to persecution.
      It seems some people have their own def when it comes to discussions however. This is what I'm trying to weed out.

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   danicoleposted 10 years ago

   Someone more powerful than you that is personally, specifically, and constantly abusing, harassing, annoying and bullying you over things  and traits you: A. can't change about yourself and B. that are not desirable/popular/accepted in a mainstream society.
   This could be race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, etc.. They want you to feel small and like you are worth nothing. They are systemic and smart about it, and do it in both subtle and not so subtle ways. Usually they take something away from you that is a basic human right (like your freedom or your humanity). You are treated as sub-human (less than human). there is a methodology to it, it isn't random or accidental they are targeting you (and others like you) specifically. They do this through discrimination, intimidation and fear (among other methods). Its psychological as much as physical/emotional. They want you to remain in your place, so they hold you down.
   One thing it could be wide-scale or small-scale, regardless the person being persecuted should feel trapped, fearful, hopeless and disenfranchised.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your answer. That is what I see it to be as well, and have found that some feel that disagreement with their religion or sexual orientation (denying rights is not included here) is persecution, when it's merely disagreement.

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      danicoleposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You're welcome! These people that feel that way and call it that, are exaggerating  and seem to be playing the victim. Mere disagreements are not persecution

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