Tolerance, in the political and social sense, involves two components: 1. Finding others' beliefs or behavior wrong or, in some substantive way, highly objectionable. This fundamental disagreement must be present on issues that really matter, not on issues that are minor or trivial. 2. In the face of this intense disagreement, one refrains from resolving differences by violence or the threat of violence.
Tolerance is NOT a matter of
pluralism or multi-culturalism. In order to be tolerant, one does not accept or find others' actions or attitudes a matter of indifference. Rather, a necessary condition for
tolerance is rejection of others' beliefs and way of life.
The
upshot of tolerance is fighting a continual civil war with those whom one disagrees with in
non-violent ways. A society characterized by tolerance will be full of constant confrontation and conflict without threats or violence. As commentator Jonathan
Schwartz has argued, tolerance involves challenging the beliefs that others accept without question including issues surrounding sexuality, religion, and race.
Tolerance also is closely related to
free speech.
Free speech is primarily designed to promote free discussion of controversial questions in politics, religion, and morality. Therefore, speech codes and Politically Correct sensibilities advanced
by the left are restrictions on free speech and are forms of intolerance.
Example:
I think everything you say and believe is immoral and disgusting. I shall try to
eradicate your beliefs from the face of the earth. But, I shall express my
disagreement only verbally and refrain from violence to
suppress your point of view. Therefore, I am demonstrating tolerance.