June 25, 2004
The Tolerance That’s Not So
The Tolerance That’s Not So Tolerant
Many conservatives, dear reader, are often blathering on about the purported intolerance of the political Left. This liberal lack of regard for those of differing opinions seems particularly odd, conservatives claim, because contemporary leftists enjoy perceiving themselves as enlightened beacons of tolerance. Unlike, say, the close-minded curmudgeons who lean rightward, the leftist winsomely considers himself incapable of—pardon the nasty word—discrimination. To many conservatives, however, this is nothing but rank hypocrisy.We, the crack young staff of “The Hatemonger’s Quarterly,” have therefore taken it upon ourselves to offer our own view on the topic. We would say that our conclusions are most assuredly correct and that any disagreement with them smacks of apostasy, but this didn’t seem to fit with the general tenor of the phenomenon we are investigating. Simply put, in this humble edition of “The Hatemonger’s Quarterly,” we endeavor to dilate on so-called liberal tolerance.
To be frank, we, the crack young staff of “The Hatemonger’s Quarterly,” can’t quite figure out what the conservatives are griping about. Contemporary liberals are, in fact, the very embodiment of open-mindedness.
Take, for example, the panoply of views regarding which one can have manifold opinions. To be sure, it would be best—if not imperative—that one has specific views on Israel (against it), the liberation of Iraq (against it), homosexual marriage (in favor of it), tax cuts (against them), Osama bin Laden (dislike his rather pugnacious style, but sympathize with the wrath he directs toward America), &c.
But one needn’t hold these all of these opinions to bask in the luminous glow of liberal tolerance. Rather, one can simply disagree and be labeled a moral cretin. Now, don’t you feel all warm and fuzzy?
In such circumstances, we, the crack young staff of “The Hatemonger’s Quarterly,” are simply perplexed by conservative grousing about liberal intolerance. One either agrees with the totality of leftist views, or admit that you are a troglodyte. What’s the problem?
In addition, we, the crack young staff of “The Hatemonger’s Quarterly,” can easily prove to fusty right-wingers that the contemporary Left is the apex of tolerance.
Take academia, for example. As you may already know, dear reader, American academia is famous for being somewhat tilted toward the political Left. Kind of like the way the Titanic was tilted. Or perhaps the final Iraqi election in favor of that stalwart democrat, Saddam Hussein.
Yet, we hasten to add, there is nary an American institution as open to all points of view as colleges in the USA. Provided, of course, you hold only militantly left-wing views.
But you needn’t agree with us, dear reader. Virtually every college and university in the country is equipped with some Diversity Center, Multicultural Powwow, or Ministry of Truth. Such places would certainly be more than eager to convince you that their university is the perfect example of tolerance. Naturally, if you don’t believe them, you are a disgraceful rogue. And a racist, too.
