Comments on: Is Tolerance Always A Virtue?

By: It Isn't Enough... | World's Strongest Librarian

It Isn't Enough... | World's Strongest Librarian — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:00:59 +0000

[...] Tolerate [...]

By: Billy

Billy — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:07:59 +0000

There’s also a matter of time, or more precisely, lack thereof.

Just like I don’t have the time to participate in this recession, I don’t have the time to be intolerant. I don’t like many of the things I see around me, but I’m not going to stop showering and pick up a placard and march around, chanting with a scant few others about whatever is upsetting us. I just don’t have the time to do that. So, I’ll put up with whatever it is that’s itching my backside. For now.

By: Perception Breeds Tolerance | World's Strongest Librarian

Perception Breeds Tolerance | World's Strongest Librarian — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:05:42 +0000

[...] too long ago I asked Stephanie Smith to write a followup to Is Tolerance Always A Virtue? When you read the post, you’ll see why. Stephanie has quickly become one of my favorite [...]

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:40:03 +0000

Stephanie, thanks for this perspective. I work with a woman who is married to a biker, Vietnam vet, tattooed, etc. We talk a lot about this because her husband deals with this all the time. He’s a nice, kind man, but not everyone is going to see past his bike. That’s awesome about the charity work and I’m thrilled to have another book lover hanging around. Can’t have too many. Thanks again.

By: Stephanie Smith

Stephanie Smith — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:44:55 +0000

Josh -Your post on tolerance really hit me hard. I have lived around the world as a military brat – the longest time in Denmark (age 13-20) and I can say with some authority that Americans are probably the least tolerant of any nation. We proclaim to be the land of the free, yet we have more and more groups trying to infringe on the rights of the individual than I could begin to name here. Then there are the numerous labels we use to define total strangers. I don’t mean to sound bitter, but having been on the receiving end of some of said labels, tolerance is low on most people’s social skill set. America’s subcultures are where acceptance reigns. Let me give you and example: I am a biker. I ride a Harley & I have tattoos. Now, I am also college educated, have a nursing degree and speak 3 languages. When I am on my bike though, I am “a biker”, which for many people in our society has a negative connotation. It’s sad that this group of people who spend more on their bikes than most people do on a care and give more per year to charity are labeled as biker trash.
Tolerance? Opposing viewpoints are great – I say: you don’t have to agree with me, or even tolerate me, just don’t force your views or lifestyle down my throat. Until we can accept and embrace each other’s differences, we will never be a complete and whole people.
OK -enough blathering on. I am going to subscribe to your newsletter because you ahve a thought provoking and fun style and also because I too am an avid book lover. Good luck with your book deal -what an incredible journey! As we bikers say:”It’s not the destination, it’s the journey!”
Steph

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:51:05 +0000

Janine, the winter comparison is very astute. Thanks for being a genius!

By: Janine

Janine — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:24:24 +0000

I think that we cannot straddle the fence in our beliefs or values…no matter what color, race, creed, religion, political group, whatever, whomever we are. This has nothing to do with being fanatical and pointing the finger at others or any kind of intolerance for others.

I believe that our own acceptance of what we believe to be true, our own value system if you will, creates peace within ourselves, and that alone negates the need for contention even in opposition; that creates acceptance. I can openly and verbally have my own opinion (and often do on my blog and elsewhere) but that never infringes on another’s opinion or belief, we’re all entitled to our own opinions and I can accept another’s disagreement or viewpoint even if it vastly conflicts with my own, but I will always stand up for myself and my opinions/beliefs.

I like the analogy about winter because it brings up a good point. Yes, seasons will change, but we have not just one choice of moving to a warmer climate, but we can leave the cold climate temporarily, change our surroundings in order to come back and have a renewed perspective. Such is life, sometimes we must temporarily remove ourselves from a situation so that we can clearly see it in order to make judgements if necessary.

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:49:56 +0000

Hi Jannie. This is just my two cents. I see in America that most people are just happy to let other people have all the opinions, although they still want to be in the conversation. I’m afraid I can’t speak to universal harmony or energy vibrations but whatever I’m getting at, it’s not that you should have an opinion just to have an opinion. You’re right about superficiality and I agree that nothing is less moving than artifice. Only that if you’re curious, you’re going to have opinions, because you’ll be questioning and improving, hopefully…or not. Maybe I’m just crazy. Thanks for the responses today.

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:47:22 +0000

Jeffrey, not a fault at all. Some people throw up their hands in despair in the battle of words and use it as an excuse to quit thinking altogether. Carry on laddie, carry on!