Why does Gen Z protest everything except terrorism?
A Strange Phenomenon: The Decline of Tolerance in Gen Z
A strange thing happened on the way to making a more tolerant society. We produced a less tolerant, more bigoted generation of American citizens.
For the last decade or so, we have witnessed the rise of what Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff aptly termed the “coddling of the American mind” — a culture of “safetyism” that permeates education at all levels, minimizing students’ exposure to stress. This has led to an increase in sensitivity to opposing views, resulting in many college students and young adults being unable or unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The Intolerance of Gen Z
Although many Gen Z-ers hold conservative values and criticize abortion, socialism, censorship, and the trans agenda, the overall tendency of this generation leans more to the left compared to previous generations. This growing intolerance towards differing opinions is a reflection of this shift.
Today, numerous Gen Z college students struggle to tolerate those with differing viewpoints. Their hypersensitivity has reached such levels that they equate silence with violence, perceiving the absence of words as a physical attack.
Ironically, many left-leaning Gen Z individuals defend the Hamas terrorist attacks and participate in anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses. These are the same individuals who find civil scholars, political commentators, and comedians offensive or too stressful to listen to. How can a generation supposedly committed to tolerance and equality support mass genocide?
The Consequentialist Mindset
The answer lies in the fact that while Gen Z-ers may have been coddled, they have also been conditioned to believe that the end justifies the means. This consequentialist approach to social action, famously proclaimed by Malcolm X in 1965, disregards the importance of justice and promotes a dangerous mindset that rationalizes any action necessary to achieve a desired outcome.
This extremist thinking, which prioritizes the final goal over ethical considerations, is not new. Civil rights groups like the Movement for Justice by Any Means Necessary and BAMN embody this philosophy in their names. Unfortunately, this logic is now evident in the sympathetic responses to the Hamas attacks.
Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue or debate, the pro-Hamas crowd resorts to assertions, bullying, and intimidation. This consequentialist extremism is blind to justice and only concerned with achieving its goals, regardless of the pain and suffering it may cause.
What we are witnessing is the culmination of years of growing sympathy towards this illogical mindset. If significant numbers of students at prestigious U.S. colleges and universities embrace this ideology, it is a cause for concern. As Abraham Lincoln once said, if we are not guided by the better angels of our nature, the consequences will be dire.
How can education and parenting strategies help reverse the trend of declining tolerance in Gen Z
Organizations”>extreme anti-Israel organizations. This illustrates their inability to differentiate between genuine criticism and unsubstantiated hatred. Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, they resort to labeling anyone who disagrees with them as “racist,” “bigoted,” or “homophobic,” effectively shutting down any possibility of meaningful conversation.
Furthermore, the rise of social media has only exacerbated this decline in tolerance. Gen Z individuals have grown up in an era of instant gratification, where their every opinion can be validated and their every whim catered to with a simple tap of a screen. This constant reinforcement of their beliefs has created an echo chamber effect, where differing viewpoints are muted, ignored, or attacked. They have become accustomed to surrounding themselves with likeminded individuals, leading to a lack of exposure to diverse perspectives and alternative ideas.
It is crucial to address this decline of tolerance in Gen Z and find ways to reverse this trend. Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of our society, and it is imperative that we foster an environment of open dialogue and critical thinking. Encouraging students to listen to opposing viewpoints, engage in respectful discussions, and challenge their own beliefs can help break the cycle of intolerance.
Additionally, it is essential for parents and educators to teach the importance of empathy, acceptance, and understanding. Gen Z individuals need to learn that disagreement is not synonymous with hatred and that diversity of thought is a strength rather than a threat. By fostering empathy and teaching them to approach disagreements with an open mind, we can create a generation that is truly tolerant and open to differing opinions.
In conclusion, the decline of tolerance in Gen Z can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the culture of “safetyism,” the echo chamber effect of social media, and a lack of exposure to diverse perspectives. To reverse this trend, we must focus on educational reforms, promote critical thinking and open dialogue, and instill the values of empathy and acceptance. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations are equipped to navigate the complexities of an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
