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Is "tolerance" really enough?
You often hear the word "tolerance" used as a positive thing. For example, "We foster a community of understanding and tolerance." But, would you be happy to know that someone tolerated you?
How do these go over with you:
"I don't really like Jews, but I have to work with quite a few and I tolerate them."
"I think homosexuality is disgusting, but I keep my mouth shut and tolerate my brother and his partner at Thanksgiving."
"I don't think people should marry outside their race, but I tolerate my neighbors and am polite to them."
"I don't think Catholics are Christians, but we work together on pro-life initiatives, so I can tolerate them."
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Acceptance is so much better, but tolerance is a first step.
It's a minumum requirement IMO.
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