It never fails. Every time I converse with someone about inequality in the world, they always use the word “tolerance” to express how we should go about relating to one another.
Now, I don’t disagree that we must learn about each other and learn to live amongst each other in peace and harmony; this is not what I’m saying. I take issue with the word itself.
Who ever wants to be “tolerated“?
The use of this word supposes that a bigger, more powerful, dominant group, makes an effort to tolerate a minority group or someone of “lesser” value, so to speak. The word itself, to me, embodies the very definition of inequality. When I hear the word “tolerance”, I hear: “Oh, look at us! How good we are to put up with you when we really don’t have to. We’re doing you a favour by making a conscious choice not to run you to the ground. You’re so lucky to have us “tolerate” you.”
O.K., I might push the envelope a little, but I think you get the point.
Sure! Some might argue that this is a question of semantics, and that it really is not a big deal, but it makes me cringe.
“I tolerate you.” Can you hear the condescension in that?
Let’s not teach “tolerance”. Let’s teach acceptance.
There is a BIG difference between the two.
“I accept you.” – Now THAT is nice, isn’t it?
🙂