The Paradox Of Tolerance 👥 Are You Tolerant? 🌇
The Paradox Of Tolerance
I'm certain we've all most likely stumbled upon this one before when discussing tolerance and bigotry. At some point, somebody accused of being intolerant comes out with "But you are being intolerant of intolerance, you hypocrite!".
So my question is, if we are to be tolerant individuals and stand against intolerance, is that a valid defence or just a deflection?
The 'in' prefix of the word 'intolerant' makes it a negative, thus to me, the argument may be a double-negative, like "not giving nothing" in its true sense means truly giving something. Intolerance of intolerance means tolerant.
'No You Are Intolerant!'
This is clearly a deflection. If you took the statement to its logical conclusion, all tolerance would instantly evaporate, and we'd be left swimming in a "Lord of the Flies" libertarian/anarchist dreamscape.
I would most likely respond with "you are correct, I'm intolerant of intolerance". If you created the assumption that I was advocating tolerating all possible behaviour, you would be mistaken.
A Throw Away Comment?
They're both undoubtedly a dodge. We use labels and easy one-liners to denote where an argument or reasonable statement should be. Like saying "You're intolerant" then because the other person does not get it they simply dodge it with that response. Both of them do not take the time to grasp or explain what is happening.
Just an illustration, however these one-liners and all that get out of hand and turn more into mob mentality than something intelligent.
You are right; the response is commonly a dodge. However, the initial accusation is commonly a dodge in place of discussions that could've effectively understood both sides and offered a solid explanation.
Tolerance is at its core a way of accepting all around us regardless of their opposites. Now, most of us are driven by emotions and not so much on objective thinking so mostly we tend not to tolerate opposite opinions, nor to gather around those who do. But, to be fair people we should try to overcome this and we might learn something about ourselves in doing something. And, to quote something dear of mine, Never do or wish wrong to somebody else. Always try to help him or her to pass over his obscured view, regardless if it is the same with your or not.
I agree that we should all be tolerant and be loving and unprejudiced but it feels as if the more people that use the term flippantly the more it tends to lose its meaning and the ground it stands on.
Indeed something should be said when is truly meant!
I would have to agree with the quote from Dominique Pire. Tolerance is a negative word that implies that you grudgingly give concessions to say accept someone when you should be talking with mutual respect and understanding.
very informative post .. thanks sir