To the editor:
I have been involved in a week long conversation about a word. A word that can change everything. That word is tolerance.
Let’s first define tolerance. Dictionary.com defines tolerance as a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, beliefs, practices, racial or ethnic origins, etc., differ from one’s own; freedom from bigotry.
Tolerance is only shown when we disagree with someone and when we choose not to fight about our differences. When we choose to live and let live.
The opposite of tolerance would be intolerant. Dictionary.com defines intolerance as a lack of tolerance; unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect opinions or beliefs contrary to one’s own,
unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect persons of a different social group, especially members of a minority group.
Essentially, intolerance is a lack of respect and bigotry.
We can all surf the net or turn on the television and find example after example of intolerance in wars, murder, and barroom brawls. In our everyday lives we know political party members that are intolerant of one another. We see race intolerance, religious intolerance, and just about every other intolerance we can think of. It is this intolerance of one another that divides us into small fractured groups in society.
What we seldom see are examples of tolerance. Tolerance doesn’t sell newpapers or get attention, and it makes for a boring conversation. We need to understand that tolerance of an idea doesn’t mean acceptance of the idea. It means we respectfully disagree. It takes great courage and strength to show tolerance.
Tolerance is the only choice when building a community.
Sherrie Mitchell, Brown County
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