Tolerance

Tolerance is a virtue that has long been touted by our society and other democracies like it. It is intertwined with our notion of a just society. Religious and political tolerance are thought to be ideals upon which this very nation was founded. I'd venture that there are few people who are willing to admit that they are intolerant, even while they may hold intolerant beliefs.

We know, however, that not everyone--nor every society--lives up to the ideal of tolerance. Segregation, discrimination, elitism, populism, class wars, religious fervor--these are all examples of intolerance which have taken place in this country and others; and many are still taking place today. Not only do we see a lack of tolerance within our borders, but between our nation and its neighbors as well. We intervene in foreign nations when we see what we perceive as violations of human rights, injustice, or actions that threaten the free market. These actions are all contrary to our core values as a liberal-democratic nation--human equality, due process, and open markets. These actions are usually framed as just 'Wrong.' Period. I think that if we look closely, though, we'll see that these actions are only wrong from our particular viewpoint--from our particular culture.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't think that human rights violations are okay. I also think democracy is good, and that the world would be much better if democracy were more common. But at the same time, I recognize that my holding these views means that I'm not that tolerant, and that liberal-democracy isn't a particularly tolerant form of government. We respect alternate views to a point, but when was the last time we had a socialist or atheist leader? When was the last time we allowed a socialist coup in another country? Don't forget Guatemala.

Of course, there are some issues in which tolerance would seem wrong. I don't think that we should be tolerant of countries who violate humans rights, or individuals who hold racist views, or people/countries who use/condone violence against women. I think most of you would agree. But that has me thinking: Since total tolerance is probably not possible and definitely not desirable, where do we draw the line? When is the ideal of tolerance overridden by my other beliefs?

For example, I'm a vegetarian. I told myself before I decided to stop eating meat that no matter what, I would never pass judgement on those who chose differently. But, after learning of all the detrimental effects meat has on the environment, I often wonder, how tolerant is too tolerant? When should I put my foot down and say, "Stop. What you're doing is bad for the planet and is endangering all of us"? The same question could be asked in regards to environmentalism, feminism, liberalism--any belief that we may hold dear.

I believe in tolerance to a point, but I think at some point we should be honest and admit that we take certain values for granted. We just have to make sure we take the best ones.

See also:
1. "Autonomy, Gender, Politics" (Amazon.com)
2. Paradox of Tolerance
3. "Political Tolerance and American Democracy"