Jason Levine '07
12 November 2003Dear Justice

As a Brandeis student I am very proud to say that we have such a fine publication to keep us abreast of happenings, controversies, and other important tidbits that affect our community. I feel that although the Justice has recently hit a rough patch due to some rather serious staff error, the paper is still an intricate part of our community and will continue to be read with anticipation and pride. What I'd like to write to you about today is an aspect of the campus environment that truly disturbs me. I feel that it deserves much more attention and it needs to be brought into the spotlight, especially given the ongoing fuss regarding similar issues.

What is tolerance? There are a myriad of answers to this question. Unfortunately, all those that truly embody what such acceptance is DO NOT apply to Brandeis University. I am going to tell you why.

First and foremost the very obsession with this idea of "tolerance" that one is bombarded with from the very first day of orientation is purely retroactive. In order to have "tolerance" as so many ignorant campus community members claim to be striving for today, there must be "safe space" (another overused term here at Deis) for each and every idea to exist. I have a simple observation I'd like to pose before you: Is this quest for greater tolerance not just lengthening the list of things that will not be tolerated? The more we talk of allowance, the more we add to the scroll of forbidden action!

One time Brandeis professor and renowned author Herbert Marcuse theorized that tolerance breeds repression. Having fled Nazi Germany, this scholar knew a great deal more about such matters than any student activist on this campus today. To my dismay I have to say that I completely agree with Professor Marcuse's idea based upon what I see in the microcosm of society we call Brandeis University.

During the beginning of the current semester several speakers were brought in by various groups. Every single one of them can be found at the extreme left of the political spectrum. Based upon the recent rhetoric calling for all sides to be heard and learned from, one would guess that such a campus community would then desire to hear from those of alternate political persuasions. This is common sense. Well, we're reaching the end of the semester and two high-profile figures that happen to be situated a bit farther to the right are coming to campus. One is the CEO of Coca-Cola, Douglas Daft, and the other is a columnist for the Jerusalem Post, New York Post, and member of presidentially appointed board of the U.S. Institute for Peace, Dr. Daniel Pipes.

The 'Tolerance Police' are of course on the prowl and emails screeching for action to be taken to stop the "Purveyor of Hatred" - Dr. Pipes - have been sent out and graphic posters exaggerating the 'evilness' of Coca-Cola abroad have gone up all over the campus. Thousands of newspapers have been stolen, denying students access to information, and a police car drove along with a Coca-Cola delivery truck on campus. As any thinking individual might be pressed to do, I have to ask, HOW CAN ADVOCATES OF FAIRNESS AND EQUALITY FIGHT FOR SUCH A ONE-SIDED ENVIRONMENT! Maybe I can answer my own question.

There are two possible reasons. The first is this: They are simply liars and do not pursue true tolerance and equality. In fact, they are only trying to serve their own local needs and selfishly foster whatever surroundings make them feel personally happy. This is the second reason: They are scared of the real world. One of the most true-ringing statements I have heard on campus was made a professor I respect very much. "College students haven't a clue what the real world is," he said in lecture. So maybe it is just fear of having to face real issues and to acknowledge the existence of multiple perspectives that aren't always friendly that motivates them on their noble sounding yet destructive cause. I only hope that people can begin to open their eyes and bring the necessary changes and healthy thought to Brandeis before the slope becomes too slippery.