Take a look, if you will, at the results of the opinion poll that leads this blog. A list of mighty, largely unrelated, issues compiled for a list then read out to members of The Great British Public who then reply with their … ahem … considered answers. On the face of it, the results are beyond bonkers – unhinged might be a better word – but let’s have a look anyway.
In 1981, it was deemed that homosexuality was justifiable – I mean, what a word – by something like 12% of the population. In fact, a long list of things were deemed unacceptable by less than a fifth of us, with euthanasia leading in the popularity stakes by 20% of us. I don’t object to people being asked their opinion on anything because that’s what freedom means. What concerns me is people having opinions about things that are none of their business and then seeking to taking away the freedoms of others.
Whose business is it whether someone is gay? If someone gets divorced, that’s their business. I am a big supporter of properly regulated euthanasia and I support a woman’s right to choose. But here’s the thing: if someone chooses to die on their own terms, to marry who they like, if someone feels they need an abortion or have casual sex, it is no one else’s business.
Some of the subjects are just plain stupid when it comes to what represents a justifiable activity. How can you conclude whether suicide is justifiable? I have lost a frightening number of friends and acquaintances to suicide. And something like prostitution – if that is something someone does in order to do for a living of their free will (that bit is obviously critical) – then is it really for me to dissuade them? ‘THAT IS NOT JUSTIFIABLE!” Obviously, it isn’t.
If the purpose of this poll is to simply find out, for no obvious reason other than perhaps entertainment, how many of us feel about things that are none of their business. And the fact that only 42% of us think a quick shag is justifiable just makes me laugh. That’s the problem with opinion polls. Some people’s opinions aren’t always the same as our own but who cares?
If you don’t want to have gay sex, then don’t have gay sex. If you don’t agree with abortion, then don’t have one. If you don’t want to choose to end your life in the way you choose, then by all means die in agony and confusion. It’s your choice and mine. Or at least it should be.
I’m off now to do none of these things, not even casual sex sadly, but what is unjustifiable to you may be fine and dandy for anyone else. Have a nice day.
