| > "those "universal" rights have to be applied to an out-group" Yes, absolutely! That's why I used the term "universal". They apply to everyone, not just favored groups. > "hundreds of messages on this page which sum to "nothing is wrong"" A few. Most, you're reading uncharitably. I'd summarize the most common theme as more like "we've misidentified the precise problem, and as a result our solutions are ineffective or worse." > "There's no avoiding a conflict." Some types of conflict are essential and inevitable. Others are optional and unnecessary. When you apply universal rights to a group that has been dehumanized, there is necessary conflict between those who wish to continue dehumanization and those who wish to end it. But when you treat rights like a contest, you introduce unnecessary conflict, by creating incentives for various groups to try to knock one another down in order to compete for a more favorable spot in the hierarchy. Focus on resolving necessary conflict, not artificially generating unnecessary conflict. |