"Calling bigotry an opinion is like calling arsenic a flavour" is a powerful and memorable analogy by Jack Cameron which strongly rejects the idea that bigotry should be afforded the same respect or protection as a legitimate difference of opinion. It argues that bigotry, like poison, is inherently harmful and should be recognised as such, not as a benign viewpoint.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

• "Calling bigotry an opinion...": This refers to a common tactic used to defend or normalize prejudiced, discriminatory, or hateful views. When someone expresses bigotry (e.g., racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia), and others criticize it, the defense often heard is, "It's just their opinion, and everyone's entitled to their opinion." This frame attempts to put bigotry on par with preferences (like liking a certain food or color) or genuinely debatable topics (like political policies or artistic merit).

• "...is like calling arsenic a flavour.": This is the core of the analogy and its powerful impact.

  • Arsenic: This is a highly poisonous substance. Its purpose is to cause harm, sickness, or death. It has no beneficial or palatable quality.
  • Flavour: This is a quality that makes something taste good or distinctive. It's subjective, often enjoyed, and its purpose is to enhance experience.
  • The comparison highlights the fundamental absurdity of equating the two. Arsenic is inherently destructive, regardless of how someone might try to label it. Its nature is defined by its harm, not by whether someone perceives it as having a "flavour."

The underlying message of the quote is:

• Bigotry is inherently harmful: Just as arsenic's nature is to poison, bigotry's nature is to discriminate, dehumanize, oppress, and cause pain to individuals and groups. It is not a harmless or subjective preference.
• Bigotry lacks legitimate standing: It cannot be debated or respected in the same way a genuine opinion can be. Its intent is malicious or discriminatory, not simply a different way of looking at the world.
• The danger of false equivalency: Giving bigotry the label of "opinion" attempts to legitimize it and protect it under the guise of free speech, when in reality, it often undermines the safety and rights of others.
• A call to recognize and condemn bigotry: The quote urges people to see bigotry for what it is – a destructive force – and to avoid giving it undeserved intellectual or social acceptance.

In essence, Jack Cameron's quote is a forceful rhetorical device that argues bigotry is not a harmless or valid viewpoint that deserves respect as an "opinion." Instead, it is inherently toxic and destructive, akin to poison, and should be recognized and treated as such. It's a call to push back against the normalization of prejudice.