Join the conversation and tell us what you think. Citizens Project: Creating a community valuing diversity, equality, and religious freedom.

Gene -

March 26th, 2011 at 8:59 am    

Of course, you don’t really give us a chance to answer the actual question. (It’s a yes or no question, after all.)

The definition of “tolerance” has become so distorted in today’s politically correct culture as to have lost all meaning. The strict definition means you tolerate things. It means you don’t have to like, agree, or celebrate–just tolerate.

But many (most?) voices on the left are anything but tolerant. They use the word as a club to silence those they refuse to tolerate.

SteveM -

April 7th, 2011 at 7:55 am    

Gene, you bring up a good point, whether there is the chance to answer the question. But I think that your perception of the definition of tolerance differs from what’s in the dictionary. According to Dictionary.com, Tolerance is “a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one’s own; freedom from bigotry.” The definition does not address liking or celebrating, or not liking, which I think is where you bring up a good point. But your comment leaves out fairness and objectivity, which are key elements. Otherwise, tolerance is blind acceptance for the sake of “getting along”. I don’t accept that and I think that is why you have concern with the question.

I think that we generally do agree. I think it is critical to keep objectivity and fairness in mind when dealing with different views. We should never use tolerance as a means to silence, either by the right or by the left – to do so is wrong. I will stand up against both and I think you would, too.

iesha patterson -

April 11th, 2011 at 5:55 pm    

hahah i am so sick of this word that it isn’t even funny anymore.when people use the word tolerance they use it for their own concern.tolerance is mainly used for gay rights and SOME religions.but the truth is when is comes to most christian views tolerances is kicked out the window and it’s said to be full with hate.people who holler and scream for tolerance only do so when it comes to them and others who see things the way they do.

Ian -

April 19th, 2011 at 1:33 am    

If someone refuses to tolerate you, then simply they’re a bully. They are mean, hateful, spiteful, and it is unnecessary to tolerate them. Diversity is special and that should be celebrated,but if your diversity preaches hate, that because your different “you’re going to hell” that should not. Anything that makes you feel less than beautiful and amazing should not be acceptable

norm landlorder -

February 7th, 2012 at 12:22 pm    

tolerance is probably based on the presumption that others ideas are meritorious not just there. outspoken or not. this kind of tolerance is very bad for society and integrity on any higher plain besides merely sustenance. for example i would never have the ice cream truck man that plays his/her monkey grinder music, working on designing my user friendly accounting system for managing all matters related to constructing commercial grade construction projects, even though he had a very strong opinion on how his plumber left his drain pipes still plugged. that definition of tolerance is in itself ignorant and intolerant mean spirited hurtful …see what i mean Vern??

Adamantite -

February 25th, 2012 at 6:28 pm    

I find it hypocritical that the people who push the idea of the new tolerance are some of the most intolerant people, to those ideas and beliefs they don’t like.

The original definition of tolerance was basically, you put up with the person but disagree with their ideas.

The new tolerance CLAIMS on the surface that “All beliefs and views are equal and noone has the higher ground morally”. But that is false. In reality, here is what happens: Homosexuals, Baby Murderers/Abortionists, and New Agers claim “tolerance” but are intolerant, as are Leftists, against Bible believers and others.

They will say “tolerance” but they do not tolerate fundamental Believers and others.