Taking A Stand

At the movies this weekend, I saw an ad for Characters Unite, a public service program sponsored by USA Network:



Here's their pledge:

As a character of the USA, I pledge to stand against intolerance, prejudice, discrimination, and hate, and to promote greater understanding and acceptance. I believe life is richer and we are stronger as a country when we see beyond stereotypes and appreciate each other for the characters we are. After all, characters are what make us, USA.

I support their goals, but the question is how do you go about it.  It's too easy for the means to their ends to become repressive.  After all, they're asking for intolerance to create tolerance.

We have to be able to speak freely.  We have to be able to criticize others, even sometimes along lines that some may find offensive.  I don't know what stance Characters Unite take on such issues, but any movement that doesn't start with a base of such freedom has to be fought, not joined.

PS  If someone started a movement against ads shown in movie theatres, I'd take that pledge.