The Jakeinator said:
Currently as a Redguard, and going with the rebels because the didn't try kill me for no reason.
Actually, they kind of did have a reason. You were caught up in an ambush meant for the Stormcloaks. Innocent or guilty, you were there, and the Imperials couldn't chance letting a Stormcloak free. In the beginning of the game, you're a victim of circumstance, nothing more.
OT: Neither side is evil. Skyrim was the first Nord settlement(I may be misremembering) and Ulfric believes that Skyrim should be ruled by Nords, and Nords alone, so they fight to free Skyrim from Imperial rule. While their intent is that of a noble one, little do they know, Ulfric is no more than an unwitting pawn to the Thalmor, weakening both the empire and Skyrim for them. And what people aren't understanding, is that Ulfric is unknowing in his assistance to the Thalmor, and they're branding him evil because they think he's helping him, all the while this is not the case. Their racism can be understood, even though it is not entirely called for. To the eyes of a Stormcloak, the other races are clogging up their land, the land of the
Nords. Though, I do think it would be interesting to play a Dark Elf and assist the Stormcloaks, and see how that turns out.
As for the Imperials, they're not banning the worship of Talos simply because they can, despite the Stormcloak's belief that the Empire is trying to oppress the people of Skyrim simply to show them who's wearing the pants around this place. They did it so they could get the Thalmor to back off, at least long enough to regroup their strength. That isn't to say that it justifies their giving in to the Thalmor's demands, but the Empire is only doing what it believes best in order to free Skyrim from the Thalmor altogether.
I think both are noble in their own rights.