Intolerance is a common human behavior that manifests itself when people refuse to accept different ideas, opinions, or beliefs from others. It can take various forms such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and religious fundamentalism. While this may seem like an irrational reaction, it provides psychological comfort to those who find themselves in situations where they feel threatened or challenged by moral ambiguity. This paper will explore why some individuals prefer intolerance to deal with uncertainty and how it serves their mental wellbeing.
One reason for intolerance is fear of uncertainty. Moral ambiguity refers to situations where there is no clear right or wrong answer.
Should you lie to save someone's life? Should you steal to feed your family? These are difficult decisions that require introspection and self-reflection. Some people find these decisions anxiety-inducing because they worry about making the wrong choice. By rejecting alternative perspectives, they avoid facing moral dilemmas and maintain a sense of certainty. Intolerance gives them a way out of uncomfortable situations without having to think too deeply.
Another reason for intolerance is a need for control. When faced with moral ambiguity, people tend to seek order and structure. They want to have a clear understanding of what is acceptable and what isn't so that they can make choices confidently. Intolerance creates boundaries and limits on acceptable behavior, which allows them to feel more secure. In addition, it provides a feeling of superiority since they believe they possess absolute truth.
Intolerance also offers a sense of belongingness and community. People often join groups that share their beliefs and values because they feel safe and accepted. This sense of camaraderie reinforces their worldview and makes it easier to dismiss opposing views as "evil" or "wrong."
Intolerant communities provide emotional support during times of stress or difficulty. Members can rely on each other for comfort and guidance.
Intolerance reduces cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds two contradictory beliefs or attitudes simultaneously.
Someone who believes in equality but supports discriminatory policies may experience cognitive dissonance. By embracing intolerance, they eliminate this contradiction and reduce mental discomfort.
Intolerance provides psychological comfort by reducing anxiety, creating structure, fostering a sense of belonging, and alleviating cognitive dissonance.
This comfort comes at the expense of open-mindedness, empathy, and critical thinking. It also reinforces prejudices and perpetuates inequality. Therefore, individuals should strive to challenge their own biases and seek out diverse perspectives to grow intellectually and emotionally.
What psychological comfort does intolerance provide to those who fear moral ambiguity?
The comfort of intolerance is rooted in the individual's need for certainty and clarity when it comes to moral issues. Fearing moral ambiguity can lead to anxiety, uncertainty, and feelings of helplessness, which are uncomfortable experiences that many individuals seek to avoid.