Dax Hughes
Sep 3, 2018 · 2 min read

Tolerance Doesn’t Tolerate: Culture Wars in America

Tolerance. Just about every news article, movie, tv show, and social media conversation seems to be preaching tolerance in some form or another. Tolerance means accepting someone else’s beliefs, convictions, approach regardless of your own. It is the new religion of America and it is growing rapidly. Extreme pressure comes from the culture to conform to its message. If you don’t tolerate you are a bigot, antiquated in your thoughts, or a religious zealot. If you speak against someone as doing something wrong that is considered their “choice” (abortion, homosexuality as examples), then you probably will be verbally lynched by the masses. The culture will not tolerate accountability.

Tolerance is a funny thing. It only tolerates those who won’t hold firm to convictions over right and wrong. When someone says this is the only way, it so offends our culture that they will accuse that person of the vilest things for standing up. Which is ironic isn’t it? If they can shut up the naysayer then they can continue in their practice or belief guilt free.

The issue with tolerance is its motive. Tolerance wants to justify. Our conscience knows things are off, but tolerance seeks to build a system to where the conscience is ignored and wrong action is justified. If enough people get on board and preach tolerance then the wrong will feel more right.

There is nothing new under the sun. Ancient Rome did this same thing before it crumbled under its own tolerant immorality. We are headed to the same demise it seems. We continue to push the boundaries of morality all in the name of tolerance and personal happiness.

For those willing to stand up and say absolute truth exists — that wrong is always wrong — the journey ahead for them will be a painful one. The culture doesn’t want to hear they might be wrong. It can’t handle it. It’s too difficult for many to face the reality they might be living a lie. So, they attack. It is much easier to attack the accuser than to listen to their accusation. If the culture can turn the truth-teller into a villain then the conscience is further suppressed and guilt is replaced by justification.

Tolerance is pragmatic, but it is smoke and mirrors. It isn’t helping our society; it is destroying it from within.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade