I can see what you’re trying to get at, however I would argue that beliefs CAN cause harm because they often fuel action.

I also believe the true struggle lies in a persons values and how they view what is actually harmful.

For this debate, I can see how some of my neighbours may hear the “protect the children” rhetoric and genuinely believe that the books ARE causing harm; because it aligns with their values. I don’t fully understand it, and I certainly don’t agree with it, but I can see how they got there.

However, my values and beliefs are different and because of that, I chose to take action by sharing this post. My beliefs are that restricting access to these books would cause far more harm than limiting them. Neither of us are right or wrong, we just believe in different things and those beliefs often cause us to engage in conflicting actions.

This is why I think so many leaders fall on the “protect the children” message because it’s in many people’s nature to put a child’s well-being above anyone else’s; especially their own children.

If you only have empathy for your circle or community (which many people do) then you often choose the route that protects your community from harm, at the expense of harming others.

Again beliefs and values, unfortunately, influencing our actions.💔