Tolerant Of The Intolerant?


Dorian Gray
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We hear things about being tolerant is a good thing! Intolerance is bad. But it seems being intolerant of intolerance is ok.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/11/us/georgia-kkk-highway/index.html?iref=obnetwork

So where we have the facts of this case (as presented in the article):

1. The program is open to any group that makes the commitment and can be revoked by the state for lack of action.

2. A group traditionally known for its intolerance is attempting to become a part of the program.

3. No members of the group (at least for now or that is known, least that would have been reported) have been convicted of a hate crime.

4. This particular chapter is billing itself as the "white" version of the NAACP.

5. There is another state that the courts ruled that they cannot be denied membership in the program

======================================

This all leads to the philosophical debate:

How is it best to defeat intolerance?

Is meeting intolerance with more intolerance the answer?

Does tolerating intolerance undermine the goals of tolerance?

Is advocating "tolerance" while purposefully being intolerant of a groups belief's hypocrisy?

"I support tolerance, but only if you think like me" is this really tolerance?

Please discuss.

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The very citizens that are quick to cite their rights under the constitution are often the first to wish do deny those right to those they disagree with.

Freedom of religion is fine as long as you do not wish to build a mosque in my neighborhood or home town. Freedom of religion is fine as long as you are not a member of the Westboro Baptist Church, etc.

Freedom to walk the streets in your hometown is fine unless you are Hispanic in Arizona and left your identification at home.

The list goes on and on. If there is any deviation from the myth of the American Ideal, that deviation is met with intolerance over and over again.

As far as defeating intolerance is concerned, I do not believe it will ever be done.

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To defeat intolerance is by intolerance, however in a way that is more of a ``Buddhist`` approach :derisive: .Sadly, this is a hard one--for often we are set in our ways. But on the whole--through intolerance and example. Perhaps in some gentler way as opposed to aggression as that begets more opposition.

It depends what the intolerance is--we each make our own moral judgements as to what is right or wrong. I would say--one has to be intolerant to intolarance when ethically/morally /philosophically we, ourselfves know that it is wrong.

Yes--by tolerating intolerance it undermines the spirit of tolerance--and it keeps perpetuating itself instead of diminishing, it feeds on itself.

Yes--it is hypocritical to advocate tolerance when the groups ideas/actions are intolerant towards what I as an individual feel.I would leave the group. However I maybe here misunderstanding the question :crazyeyes:

I can only tolerate what to me is right --because it is my moral compass--thus to me it is wrong to support that which I don`t believe in. I intolerate whatever I feel is wrong according to my belief system. Thus it is all an individual choice, which eventually might or may become the acceptance of the whole or the majority.

We change one heart at a time, by one heart at a time--the ocean is made up of individual drops--yet it is one.

blessings and peace,

S

Edited by sarkany
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To quote the very article you posted Mr. Gray; " "Any civic-minded organization, business, individual, family, city, county, state, or federal agency is welcome to volunteer in the Georgia Adopt-A-Highway program," the DOT website says."

That in itself should allow 'any organization' to join the state of Georgia's litter program whether the state agrees with the philosophy and principles of said group or not. I do not personally hold ill views of the individuals of the KKK organization however the reputation of the group as a whole is certainly suspect towards values I do not support. I believe this to be a case of guilt by association.

As a federal agency the DOT should honor the application until such time as terms of permission are violated as in Missouri.

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Of course they're doing it for the advertisement. Since that's how it works, I don't care. I've seen a lot of these signs and, while I always take a moment of gratitude for each of them, the only name that stands out is the Adopt A Highway® / Sponsor a Highway® program. This country is a mess and they need all the help they can get. I can tolerate the existence of the KKK without tolerating the hatred, violence and excessive pride. It isn't just black and white. If I cannot tolerate their good works I become the bigot. Sure beats those burning cross signs they had been using. Not much to be proud of there. It's not how we look or what we believe that makes a difference, it's what we do. In this case I say, good job. I can tolerate a little socialist capitalism for mutual gain. Even if some litterbugs don't appreciate the beautiful landscape that was handed to them. ;)

How is it best to defeat intolerance?

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Well I think I covered that--beliefs are personal--if no harm done to others--it is perfectly fine. Non of us has the real truth--we just think so. Ideas--that too is personal--we are individuals --there are more roads to Rome than we think, and we end up at the same destination.

There is never an answer to truth--only my truth, or yours--, an others maybe just as valid. And--as I said--depends where you are looking the object from--if I am a Jew some Palestinians are terrorists,--if I am a Palestinian --I am a freedom fighter..This is just an example!--I am not making any ideological statements here.

blessings and peace,

S

Edited by sarkany
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Tolerance of unacceptable behavior is a bad idea.

And who will determine what is unacceptable? The liberals? The conservatives? The Christians (which Christians?)? The Atheists? The Pagans? Only the men folk? How about only the women folk? Shall we campaign like we elect a president and vote on it?

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~ As myself, I do respect all beliefs as true & important to each that holds them. I respect their faith & hope that it gives them strength & comfort.

I don't think I've been intolerent.

Been impatient with some perhaps because "Jesus was blonde of course! I've seen His picture!" kinda was annoying... :rolleyes:

Whether someone believes this or that, fine.

I can be intolerent of someone's behaviour if it infringes upon other's.

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I'm beginning to think that a person must be tolerant these days, the alternative is to lose your freaking mind :)

I say, let the kkk clean-up freeway trash, it seems to suit them and its about time they did something constructive.

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I'm beginning to think that a person must be tolerant these days, the alternative is to lose your freaking mind :)

I say, let the kkk clean-up freeway trash, it seems to suit them and its about time they did something constructive.

LOL! You are a smart, smart man Dan. Great points!
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