Exploring Political Intolerance: conservatives or progressives?
In today's polarized political climate, suspicion and intolerance often become daily realities for many individuals. Are conservatives or progressives more likely to display political intolerance and dismissiveness towards the opposing side?
Personal Experiences with Political Prejudices
As a white male Christian conservative, I enter most discussions with liberals carrying the weight of preconceived notions and negative labels. The attitude is not limited to the liberal community; even those who respect and appreciate me can find themselves biased in conversations. For instance, my liberal friends admire me but their initial stance often frames their interactions with me, expecting me to justify my views on race, gender, and other sensitive topics.
The Burden of Proof
The pressure to prove oneself innocent can be overwhelming. As a conservative, every discussion feels like a job interview or a first date where one minor mistake could lead to a firing or a breakup. Despite detailed explanations and factual data provided, my liberal friends often resort to accusing me of “dog-whistling” or having hidden intentions behind my words.
Examples of Political Harassment
Worse still, I've witnessed instances of coordinated harassment through downvotes and moderation actions. Popular writers, often far more influential than myself, accused me of thought crimes and collaborated to silence my content. This trend extends to Quora, where liberal downvote cabals have been documented since 2011. These coordinated efforts typically involved sock puppets and collusion to ban and harass conservative voices.
The Changing Landscape of Political Incorrectness
The divide between liberal and conservative intolerance is a complex issue that transcends time and ideology. While some compare historical events to highlight past liberal defenses of free speech against McCarthyism, it’s crucial to address the evolution of political correctness and intolerance in the modern era.
Racial Bias and Policy Analysis
Conservatives are often portrayed as inherently prejudiced, but historical contexts must be considered. For instance, many today cite the South and remnants of the Confederacy as proof of conservative bias. However, it’s important to note that the majority of conservative sentiments post-Civil Rights era were not uniformly tied to racial bias.
Current Perceptions and Reality Check
Whether racism truly exists or whether policies like take-a-knee and poverty policies are harsh on the disadvantaged, today's reality is different. Conservatives often face unprovoked disruption, censorship, and harassment without a fair chance to present their arguments.
Conclusion
Neither conservatives nor progressives are monolithic entities. Both sides experience varying degrees of intolerance and dismissiveness from within and towards each other. It’s important to recognize and address these issues to foster a more productive and respectful dialogue.