There are three kinds of people: (1) the ones preaching tolerance, (2) the ones preaching intolerance, and (3) the ones struggling where tolerance ends and intolerance starts. In my view, groups 1+2 are false prophets (eg, my 2016 blog) because their deeds tend to be inconsistent with their words.
Prior to the 2016 US elections, Trump claimed that those elections were rigged (eg, BBC). Trump won. Prior to the 2020 US elections, Trump repeated his game (eg, ABC). He lost. Trump then abused democratic tolerance to overthrow the election results. The January 6 attack equals extreme intolerance.
In 1973, Karl Popper (1902-1994), a philosopher of science, stated these wise words:
“If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them.”
In general, the conservative-right tends to hold intolerant views (eg, abortion, homosexuality, Islam, skin colour). I suppose it’s fair to say that such people are proud of their conservative views,
The liberal-left claims to be tolerant but this is in words only. In general, their tolerance stops when others hold different views. Their intolerance does not only relate to opposing views (eg, conservative-right). Even different intra-group conflicts can result in their intolerance.
In general, I hold tolerant conservative-right views. I smile when I see the many examples of liberal-left intolerance. To me, it’s appalling to see the very many examples of conservative-right intolerance (eg, GOP’s national abortion ban, conservative SCOTUS member on same sex and contraception).
How, when and where do you draw the line between tolerance and intolerance??
We used to appreciate (ie, love) comedians for their funny insults to various groups (eg, blacks, Christians, gays, Jews, politicians). Nowadays, “we” tolerate comedians as long as they remain politically correct. Hence, comedians have “lost” a significant part of their repertoire.
I think, feel and believe that intolerance starts when someone hurts the interests of others. Else tolerance should prevail. Can jokes or insults hurt others? I doubt that. You can only hurt someone with the truth (my blogs of 2017 and 2020). Some people already feel hurt when pointing your finger at them.
Why is our intolerance increasing?
I doubt it’s about ignorant conservative views, liberal-left political correctness or the woke-left. The simplest explanation is that there are just too many of us (>1987) and that we have become too connected, first through internet (>1995) and then by social media (>2004).
“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”
A quote by Mark Twain (1835-1910), an American writer and humorist.
This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us (1974) by Sparks
band, lyrics, video, Wiki-band, Wiki-song
[Refrain]
This town ain’t big enough for the both of us
And it ain’t me who’s gonna leave
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
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