Social intolerance

Overview

Social intolerance is an intolerance towards cultural ideas or ways different from one's own, and an unwillingness to see any value in them.

Social intolerance is usually just called "intolerance", with the usage being understood in context.

Social intolerance is generally associated with conservatism, and is arguably an essential component of it.

Misuse

Rational criticism of religion is often described as "intolerance", but this is an erroneous usage.

An intolerant attitude refuses to even examine the subject, much less recognize any merits it may have. Critics of religion (typically active atheists), however, generally (1) only criticize religion after a careful examination of it, and (2) do recognize that religion does have some benefits, and merely contend that those benefits are outweighed by the problems religion causes (sometimes noting that the benefits may be merely byproducts which could be obtained without involving religion itself).

Definitions

Derived from Merriam-Webster and Wiktionary; for the physiological definition (as in "drug intolerance"), see those sources.

• (1) inability or unwillingness to endure [something]
• (2) unwillingness to grant others...
  • (a) ...equal freedom of expression, especially in religious matters
  • (b) ...social, political, or professional rights
• (3) close-mindedness about new or different ideas; indisposition to tolerate contrary opinions or beliefs; impatient of dissent or opposition; denying or refusing the right of private opinion or choice in others; inclined to persecute or suppress dissent.

Links

Reference

• Wiktionary (intolerant)
• Merriam-Webster (intolerant)
• wikipedia: see religious intolerance, ethnic intolerance
• Conservapedia takes a "salvation"-based approach to defending intolerance
• dKosopedia (as of 2009-03-15); try search
• SourceWatch (as of 2009-03-15); try search