According to Wikipedia: "The paradox of tolerance is a philosophical concept suggesting that if a society extends tolerance to those who are intolerant, it risks enabling the eventual dominance of intolerance; thereby undermining the very principle of tolerance."
Sounds logical to me. What doesn't make sense is the modern left-wing interpretation of Karl Popper's 1945 philosophy as if it were some revision of The Bible. In the 21st century, the paradox of tolerance has evolved into not tolerating prejudice(s). While noble in intention, I see this redefined mantra as a superb way to sabotage any meaningful uprising of an individual or population.
Ease up, I'm not suggesting y'all play nice with outright bigots but am saying that being intolerant is not the same as having prejudices. It's possible to have both bias and tolerance towards others in this life. We'd have killed one another off long ago if this wasn't the case. Paradoxically, conflicting components are ingrained ingredients of our multi-faceted species' survival and prosperity on Earth.
The reality is, according to one psychological study, up to 95 per cent of human beings carry prejudice(s). I'm not declaring it's right, just stating it exists. Ever laugh at a joke about another group like, say, rich old white guys encountering a nasty fate or snickered at a little “that's what she said” quip? Congrats, you are part of the public keeping sexism, racism, ageism and classism alive and well.
Now, hold onto your high horse, I have a pretty deep grasp of the fact that rich old white guys are indeed responsible for far too many vile crimes against nature and decency. A division of bullies employing trickery, cruelty, threats, thievery, violence, oppression, kidnapping, imprisonment, trafficking, slavery, torture, rape, murder, warfare, and genocide throughout the ages but they are not the sole perpetrators of bad things on this planet.
The enemy within and opposing you is chock-full of selfish pride pushing a superiority complex that hurts ruthlessly. This foe seeks to harm the harmless emotionally, mentally, physically, sexually, mortally; threatening the very existence of differences found in our miraculous race and great spirit.
We all have flaws. Johnny Cash was a rich old white guy (and an American Christian to boot) who did more to elevate the dignity of others than anyone I've met in my travels. His faith, circumstances and mistakes led him to become a compassionate advocate for The Outsider in these times.
According to nearly every expert in every field, humanity needs to dramatically change course or experience a great and terrible crash. Some say we may even be past the point of no return yet I continue to embrace hope. I know of a possible solution, but to build this detour requires a massive amount of public input. I've been told by some on the left that including people with prejudices in the democratic construction of money with morals is unacceptable even though participants would all have to abide by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a wish for mutual respect hammered out and eventually signed by 193 countries as a dream after the nightmare of the Second World War brutally sent an estimated 85 million souls screaming into the hereafter.
If the lessons and basic principles of this 1948 doctrine are not good enough for us to rise upon I cannot fathom what is. No offense, but I really can't envision the remarkable five per cent of homo sapiens living without any prejudices pulling off a successful mutiny of the masses peacefully or otherwise.
History, current affairs, along with a lot of science fiction shows us what happens when a righteous minority of the population tells the rest of humanity what to do or else! Something I've learned from years of serving the poor and desperate in the city is kids driven from their homes will form a new family on the streets which all too often comes with a dark side that takes more than it gives.
No matter the vice, including a need for power over others, the best way I've found to address human faults is through harm reduction acts like listening and acknowledging on common ground more so than ostracizing and punishing someone. Yes, the first approach is imperfect but can lead to personal growth and achievements while the latter options are pretty effective in a fascist state or prison system.
A degree of authoritarianism is a necessary element of who we are from birth to death. We are not born free like lizards are, laid in the dirt to fend for themselves. We are highly advanced social creatures who work and communicate together like most mammals do. Enforcing reasonable rules is required when monstrous and foolish acts exist throughout our kind. Blessed with intelligence, cursed by stupidity.
Maybe it's too late for compassion and transformation in today's computerized culture clash engineered for a wicked new millennium in the palm of one's hands. It sure seems like the left's well-meaning intolerance of anything remotely prejudiced has pushed many decent enough people into the sympathetic arms of the far-right where they often become further indoctrinated.
Like Daryl Davis, I believe we must engage to change. Exiling the majority of citizens for having prejudices may feel good to you, might even be necessary for your health if you or loved ones belong to a minority being viciously attacked.
Do what you have to do to be well.
I have the privilege of not worrying about being assaulted every time I step into a public washroom and wholeheartedly apologize if my thoughts here upset the ones who have had it with the aggression, the stubborn ignorance, the manufactured hatred, the sin of it all. Unfortunately, in the numbers game spurning a prevalent mindset instead of addressing it lessens any real chance of curing a sick society. Together, we're smart enough to create saner, kinder ways to do things using love, patience, and understanding like the songs from prophets in every nation proclaim.
Before a war erupts wholly in our land I will stand by diplomacy, knowledge, art, and humour to enlighten hearts and minds instead of resorting to other means that put an end to hearts and minds.
Mark Kirkwood Callingham
Ottawa