Toleration by Paul N. Dion
Tolerance. "Leeway for variation from a standard." Tolerate. "To put up with; endure or countenance" When I think of these meanings (they are not the only ones) for these words, I find myself being angered. In the political world of talk, talk, talk, someone, somewhere is apt to be tolerant of someone else. Initially, it sounds positive, "an atmosphere of tolerance." Or, "A disposition toward allowing beliefs, behaviors of others when these differ from one's own." I've come to think nothing could be further from the truth. Oh sure, there's a time and place for tolerance. We might tolerate a humid summer night or a bad movie but in general, when speaking about human interaction… I do not think tolerance should be "tolerated." Tolerance is not a positive situation. Pick any one person out of society at random and place them in a position of being "tolerated" by the rest of society. Now, try to explain to them that is a positive situation in which to find themselves.
That person is darn lucky to be tolerated! Society is putting up with that person. That person isn't being asked to remove him or herself from sight (and for that they should be thankful, right?) Tolerable. "Able to be tolerated; endurable." Who wouldn't want people to have to endure them? There are many groups of people targeted for this disguised practice of prejudice and oppression. You may very well belong to such a group and not even know it. Other times, your membership in the "to be tolerated club" is all too obvious. As long as the differences between people are emphasized, the similarities will be overlooked. And what a shame that is when you consider that the similarities far outnumber the small differences we have. When might it be that these differences between us are celebrated instead of being used as reasons to somehow separate us from each other? This charade of being accepting and open-minded should be exposed. It is too easy to hide behind this (apparently) socially acceptable mask. When people distinguish themselves from others to the degree of having to "tolerate" the other person, they are building walls and creating separatism. This practice is only a small step away from bigotry, discrimination, and chauvinism (to name just a few negative possibilities). There are many examples of tolerance around. Take a moment to recognize this hidden social malady for what it really is, a polite way to discriminate. Toleration equals separateness, discrimination, oppression, bigotry, and hate.
Stop the hate... Don't Tolerate!
