LETTER: Respectful dialogue should apply to everybody

Tyler Thomas

To the editor:

A few days ago, the Statesman published an article in the Our View section regarding a Post-Mormon discussion panel. The article mentioned the need for USU students to understand and respect those at USU who are not Mormon or who no longer affiliate with the LDS church.  I applaud the idea, although I would argue a discussion on respectful dialogue also applies to those who do not consider themselves members of the LDS church.

This paper had no problem publishing material in years past written by Liz Emery, who enjoyed mocking Mormon ideas and beliefs, often suggesting active LDS students were close-minded sheep, obedient to the commands of their powerful church leaders without daring to think for themselves.

I think it is very common for us to forget that while minorities should not be persecuted or excluded for their beliefs and lifestyles, neither should those of the dominant faith or culture be subject to disrespectful remarks about their beliefs. We should all be in this together. That way, we will be able to get rid of all of the “us vs. them” problems for good.

– Tyler Thomas