Intolerance? Are we talking about humanity here? There always has been and always will be intolerance. That is part of the human spirit. It is no big surprise that people tend to divide themselves into various groups and support those groups.Look at the RIA for example. We have Christians and those who scoff at Christians. We have Democrats and those who scoff at Democrats--Republicans--liberals--conservatives--Catholics--Protestants--Jews--Moslems--Hindus and more. How about those who disparage the military or the pacifists? How about the vicious pro-dingo--anti-dingo lobbies?
How about those who hate the South or New England? I would venture that if we analyze and parse most of the threads of the posts of most members, we will (gasp) find intolerance about something.
Modern sensibilities intervene, but the truth is that in a free country you have the right to have your opinions. Certain beliefs are now out of bounds, but clucking your tongue about them is not going to change human nature. People are still going to believe--more than likely beneath the surface in many respects--but believe they will.
Civilization is supposed to advance to hold intolerance in check, but the truth is that behind most intolerances is some historical occurrence that gives rise to the prejudice.
I really don't see any end to it. We are not going to learn to get along any time soon. That is the long and short of it all. All the social engineering and good intentions will not change many minds once a belief takes root.
I agree that intolerance should be held largely in check but times change. What was intolerant 100 years ago is not so viewed today on many subjects. Who knows whether those new views will prevail for the next hundred years.
I do not believe in the infinite improvement of mankind.
I don't apologize for any of my beliefs and I doubt I will change much. If I am intolerant--well tough darts.
