Pernicious Tolerance

In pursuing their objectives, radical pedagogues have abandoned the idea of tolerance of what some find objectionable. In its place they have adopted a fantasy--that tolerance can be replaced with a blank-check appreciation of diversity. Weissberg argues that this approach is guaranteed to promote civil strife. In rejecting a more workable version of tolerance, today's professional educators risk civic disaster in an effort to achieve legitimacy for those they believe are unfairly marginalized, stigmatized, under-appreciated, and otherwise disdained.

Weissberg also addresses the issue of an ever-expanding welfare state not only concerned with our material being, but, critically, also our "mental health," defined as beliefs about the vulnerable or victims in waiting--women, ethnic and racial minorities, homosexuals, and others. He shows that this therapeutic state does not stop at imploring good thinking; it goes much further and criminalizes evil thoughts, as if thinking poorly of those at risk is tantamount to inflicting bodily harm. There is substantial collateral damage in this quest for ersatz tolerance; it facilitates intellectual sloth while raising anti-intellectualism to an honored professional norm.

Pernicious Tolerance is sure to be controversial. It will be appreciated by parents and teachers who suspect that something may be amiss with endless homilies like "diversity is our strength" and "we are all the same but different" infusing today's classrooms. Optimistically, Weissberg's exposé will provide tools for parents to confront disingenuous ideologues hoping to transform America under the guise of preaching tolerance.