What’s Tolerance?

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Tolerance means tolerating or enduring differences. It means showing respect for the race, religion, age, gender, opinions and ideologies of other people or groups. This concept means different things to different people, but it is when something is disagreeable that tolerance is expected and, in most politically correct cultures, demanded.
There are many different ways to show tolerance. A person might disagree completely with others on any issue, from religion to same-sex marriage, while also respecting those who hold different opinions and treating them with dignity and respect. Disagreement alone does not equal intolerance.

One problem is that this respect is sometimes one-sided. Those who disagree with a particular issue must respect the views of those who support it, but some supporters feel justified in labeling those who disagree with hateful terms and vice versa. People on both sides of an issue need to be tolerant of each other.

When it comes to controversial issues, tolerance can also represent a “let’s agree to disagree” stance. It does not mean that a person should accept or embrace words, actions or ideas that are contrary to his or her values ​​or beliefs. It simply means that each person is committed to respecting the other’s right to her feelings about it. When both sides have expressed their views, and it is obvious that neither side will change sides, agreement over disagreement is often the more amicable outcome.

A certain degree of tolerance is necessary in any civilized society, but it is unrealistic to believe that all people can fully achieve it on every issue. It goes against human nature, or the instinctive impulse of some to get away from people or things that are different or unfamiliar. Tolerating differences is a learned attribute, a virtue that requires honest effort on the part of every person. It takes time to develop and it also takes commitment.

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