The Intolerance of Tolerance

Tolerance.  What does tolerance really mean?

When you take a closer look at the word it implies tolerance is when you are tolerant of something you find intolerable.  In fact, the word tolerance is a paradox, because it means tolerating something we don’t fundamentally agree with.  If you are tolerant, you tolerate intolerance.  Tolerance essentially contradicts itself.  Tolerance, in essence, is illogical.

There are some things in life I think we should not tolerate.  I know that personally I cannot tolerate cruelty to children, animals or any living thing for that matter.  Regardless of the background of the individual committing the cruelty, I cannot and don’t want to be tolerant of their behaviour.  Can I respect them as an individual that needs help?  Yes, I can.  Would I want to cozy up next to them for a few hours and pretend I like them?  No I wouldn’t.

Tolerance or values?

What happens when you are expected to show tolerance towards something or someone that is in opposition to your values?  If you reject violence, would you tolerate dining with someone in a social situation who you know to be violent and who has physically and verbally abused your loved one?

When all those around you seem to be losing their heads for fear of subjecting themselves to an opinion that may be opposite to what they believe and label you as intolerant, do you stand your ground or do you prostitute your values?

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Agree to disagree

Differences in opinion are important, they matter.  They make way for respectful debate and allow the conversation to explore alternatives and maybe even result in learning.  We hardly dare own our convictions any longer, in fear of being labeled intolerant.  But intolerant of what?  We live in a world that is hasty to label you as extreme when you dare to offer an opinion that may not be in alignment with the “tolerant” group, but what’s so wrong in hearing another’s opinion?  If we opened our ears wide enough, maybe we would hear some sense in the importance of that person’s defense of his or her convictions.  What is so wrong with respectfully agreeing to disagree?

Tolerance dilutes our moral compass

Tolerance means giving equal value to EVERY action, opinion, word and deed.  A loving embrace is viewed with the same tolerance as causing bodily harm.  Is this a realistic way forward?  Tolerance dilutes our moral compass, turns a blind eye to toxic behaviour and risks condoning violent and immoral behaviour.

Will you live a lie?

What is so wrong about standing up for our moral rights?  Is living a life of honesty and integrity so damaging?  Tolerance suggests that values such as integrity take second place.  Is keeping the peace more important than opening up conversations that can ultimately help to break down barriers and create a more cohesive whole?  Does keeping the peace mean you ultimately live a lie?  Can you tolerate the intolerability of living a lie?

Intolerant bigot or an individual of integrity?

Ultimately, everyone deserves to be treated with civility, even when we disagree, but to be labelled intolerant because your view is in opposition to another’s view is short-sighted and simply absurd.  You will find that most people nowadays who hastily label you as intolerant are just afraid of being challenged intellectually by someone else’s opinions.  It’s easier for them to label you as an intolerant bigot than to welcome open discussion, agree to disagree or possibly even risk having their viewpoint changed.

Remember the value of your values

Stay true to your values, live your life honestly, following a path of integrity.  If someone chooses to label you as intolerant because of that fact, you might like to enlighten them about the paradox of intolerance, if they’re willing to open their ears wide enough to listen in the first place.