[Buddha-l] Unpopular Buddhism

[Sharon Smith]

Dear All,

Perhaps the difference between Putnam's and Wuthnow/Cadge's studies is to do
with the ways in which different religions were perceived in terms of
ethnicity by their respondents?  For instance, Putnam has written recently
about how 'racial' differences have a negative effect on social capital and
maybe his respondents regard both Buddhism and Islam as 'racially
different', 'Asian' and 'less American'?  The development of the Triratna
Buddhist Community's centre in East London, UK was initially opposed by
members of far-Right groups and this opposition ceased when the Buddhists
were found to be white and middle-class.  On the other hand, Buddhism in the
West is increasingly seen as 'tolerant' and associated with being white,
'peaceful' and respectable (e.g. celebrity Buddhists such as Richard Gere).
Just some initial thoughts on the differences between the two studies.

Best, Vijayatara

-----Original Message-----
From: buddha-l-bounces at mailman.swcp.com
[mailto:buddha-l-bounces at mailman.swcp.com] On Behalf Of Jackhat1 at aol.com
Sent: 23 September 2010 18:36
To: buddha-l at mailman.swcp.com
Subject: Re: [Buddha-l] Unpopular Buddhism

In a message dated 9/23/2010 11:57:34 A.M. Central Daylight Time,  
franz at mind2mind.net writes:

Among  those with contact, I have never had a student (and  
we are talking  about hundreds of students) express to me or to the  
class a negative  impression.
==
Let me add that I have been invited to a local Catholic church to give  
talks on Buddhism as well as to local high schools to do the same. All have 
been  well received.
 
Jack H
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