Intolerable Tolerance: The Problem with Diversity Training in the Military

Armed Forces Journal, pp. 37-45, July 2008

8 Pages Posted: 18 Jul 2008

See all articles by James E. Parco

James E. Parco

Colorado College

David A. Levy

U.S. Air Force Academy - Department of Management

Fred R. Blass

Florida State University - Department of Management

Date Written: July, 16 2008

Abstract

The United States Armed Services have long been heralded as organizational exemplars of embracing diversity and overcoming discrimination. By adhering to a social doctrine of "less discrimination" and "more tolerance of others," military organizations have led the way with the integration of minorities and women during the 1950s-1980s. In the well-established process of indoctrinating its newest members, recruits are given numerous briefings on the virtues of diversity and tolerance. However, in light of the recent social crises at the military academies involving allegations of discrimination and harassment, we argue that which is needed most is "more discrimination" and "less tolerance." Despite its best intentions, the US military seems to have become too tolerant of tolerance.

Keywords: diversity, discrimination, tolerance, race, religion, homosexuality, gender

JEL Classification: I28, Z00

Suggested Citation

Parco, Jim and Levy, David A. and Blass, Fred R., Intolerable Tolerance: The Problem with Diversity Training in the Military (July, 16 2008). Armed Forces Journal, pp. 37-45, July 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1161921

Jim Parco (Contact Author)

Colorado College ( email )

Department of Economics and Business
14 E. Cache la Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
United States
719-389-6416 (Phone)
719-389-6927 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.coloradocollege.edu/dept/EC/parco.asp

David A. Levy

U.S. Air Force Academy - Department of Management ( email )

2354 Fairchild Drive
Suite 6H-94
Academy, CO 80840-2944
United States
7193332328 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.thinkingdeeplyabout.org

Fred R. Blass

Florida State University - Department of Management ( email )

United States

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