Paris Attacks 13/11: defeating intellectual fascism

We have learned at great cost that social tolerance and mutual respect cannot be created by government edict. They must evolve on the back of decisions made by millions of individuals, everyday.

Finally, the tragedy of Paris on 13/11 reminds us of the dangers of intellectual fascism. This is a system of thought which denies to others a right which one demands for oneself, the right of freedom of belief and expression.

This particular menace is alive and well on the internet - particularly in the quixotic world of social media.

More than a few social "networkers" seem to feel that their ideas are the only ones worth propagating and that anyone who disagrees with them should be removed - through trolling, if necessary - from the social media space. Through them, social media becomes anti-social media.

We must be able to disagree - and to do so strongly at times - without resorting to name-calling and threats or acts of violence. We must be free to protest loudly and passionately against things that we believe to be wrong. Yet this right comes with responsibility; we must not act violently toward others, or to threaten to do so.

The recent US election showed up the fact that intellectual fascism has found its way to the very top of the political tree. Both candidates in the race for president reverted at times to name-calling and broad, reductive stereotypes of people on the other side of the political divide.

We must hold our political leaders to a much higher standard. We must also search our own hearts, minds and public discourse for signs of the same type of inconsistency and arrogance.

Paris surely reminds us that, while holding to and insisting upon proven moral and ethical parameters for behaviour, we must also dialogue in a respectful way with those who have different values.

At the end of the day, however, we must not shy away from calling evil for what it is - wherever it originates and whatever pretext it tries to hide behind.