To think this stance is hypocritical?

[SorcererGaheris]

This is in relation to one particular individual, although I am also aware of it as a broader thing.

Not so long ago I had an interaction with a FB acquaintance in which he stated, among other things - "I intend to do harm to the occult community." As an occultist myself, I am part of this community, and naturally don't like the idea of people actively trying to harm it/us. So I questioned him about his attitude.

(NB - he is not religious, he is a completely secular philosophical materialist, who disdains everything mystical or spiritual. That in itself is not an issue - people are entitled to personal opinions and personal disdain - but when people actively say they want to cause harm to myself and my community, that is a different thing entirely.)

Where I think he is hypocritical is in the fact that he is a champion of diversity, equal rights and minority rights. He himself is an ethnic minority where he lives and speaks out about prejudice and hatred towards racial minorities, LGBT, etc.

If someone is genuinely committed to diversity, then surely that diversity should encompass everyone? Every group/community?

A world without occultists is a LESS diverse world. Advocating for the (at best) marginalisation (or at worst, elimination) of occultists is in direct conflict with the values that he appears to hold.

I don't see how someone who champions diversity can desire to do harm to the occult community, and promote its marginalisation, without being hypocritical.

@Mingou

Of course it's not. I never said it was. Again, I have never denied that some individual occultists use magic that is intended to cause some kind of harm.

If someone is bothered by that, then calling out those specific individuals is fair and reasonable. But to wish to harm all occultists is cruel and unreasonable, because many occultists are not guilty of engaging in harmful practices.

Your complete lack of insight into your own hypocrisy is really something

@Mingou

Produces nothing useful? I suppose that depends on how you define "useful", but I can say for one thing that meditation practice (a fundamental element of many forms of occultism) helps relax me and helps focus the mind.

There are scientific studies that show the benefits of meditation - it can improve memory, for one thing.

Mind Masters: Tibetan Yogis Have Upgraded Their Brains Through Meditation

The above article explains a study done upon Tibetan yogis and the effect that their exceptionally long time spent in meditation has had on their minds.

I also find many occult practices to be very enjoyable. (As a hedonist, for me, one of the most important things is experiencing pleasure.)

I would say that the fact that occult practices bring me pleasure is something useful (to me), as enjoyment in life is a positive thing.

@Mingou

Can you explain to me what is hypocritical about my own stance?

I do not understand what you are seeing here.

Being hypocritical would be engaging in a behaviour (or viewpoint) which I have criticised or condemned in others.

I have criticised and condemned bigotry against occultists as an entire group.

I have not displayed bigotry against any other entire group myself, though I have been critical of the viewpoints of specific individuals.

I have criticised a person's desire to cause harm to all occultists collectively.

I have not expressed a desire myself to harm any other group collectively, nor have I said it is okay to do so.

He sounds stupid but for me this falls in to the category of "someone is wrong on the internet".

An astrologer?? Really??

Anyway I am getting scientology vibes all over again.

@CombatBarbie

Is that surprising? People practice astrology as a hobby, and for some people it's their full-time job.

Some forms of magic include astrological elements (not all.)

Occultism is a very different kettle of fish to scientology. For one thing, scientology is a religion. Occultism is not a religion, it is a set of multiple diverse practices and there is no moral code that all occultists are demanded to abide by. Occultists choose their moral code themselves.