Acceptance And The Word Tolerance example essay topic

"Greetings, I am pleased to see that we are different. May we together become greater than the sum of both of us". This Vulcan greeting from the television show Star Trek positively expresses the idea of tolerance. Tolerance, as defined by Webster's Online Dictionary, is the endurance of the presence or actions of objectionable persons, or of the expression of offensive opinions; the capacity to, or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs of others.

The meaning of tolerance is often used in our culture to describe accepting people as they are, regardless of race, creed, or religious beliefs. Although there is a general positive intention on behalf of those who use the term tolerance to describe this act, it can also be taken negatively as well. Tolerance is often classified in two manners, positively (as in equality, unprejudiced) and negatively (as in merely putting up with the differences of others). "What is toleration? It is the prerogative of humanity. We are all steeped in weaknesses and errors: Let us forgive one another's follies, it is the first law of nature".

This quote from philosopher Voltaire describes the positive classification of tolerance. This frequently used con nation of the word has become widespread since the genocide of the Jewish people during World War II, and also the Civil Rights Movement in America. Since these events our culture focuses much on tolerance, we teach it to our children and look down upon those who do not uphold this value. A well-known teacher of tolerance is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., minister and civil rights activist. Dr. King taught loving acceptance of all kinds, and that by embracing our differences we grow stronger in a sense of unity. This commonplace definition of tolerance is, to say the least, well intended and kind natured.

"Without tolerance, our world turns into hell", this quote from Friedrich Durrenmatt, Swiss dramatist, novelist, and essayist, projects a strong and very blunt sense of support for tolerance as it is seen by the general populace. In our day and time many, have come out in fervent agreement with recognizing tolerance as an important value in our culture, and cultures all over the world. As Indian pacifist and philosopher Mohandas Gandhi stated, "Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding". This idea attributes ignorance and refusal to accept certain truths, "all men are created equal", to the refusal of tolerance as an understood conviction.

Although tolerance is regularly seen in an encouraging light, there are many who believe that mere tolerance is not enough. In this perspective, tolerance is seen as only putting up with the differences of others and not actually accepting them for who they are or what they believe. According to Phyllis McGinley, author of "In Praise of Diversity: The Love Letters of Phyllis McGinley", tolerance is seen as a form of intolerance. "Those wearing tolerance for a label call other views intolerable". These words cause many to rethink promoting tolerance, for these acceptance is a suitable alternative. People can live with each other day in and day out secretly disliking each other, but tolerating their differences in a mask of politeness.

"Tolerance should really be only a temporary attitude; it must lead to recognition, to tolerate means to offend", with this statement German poet and dramatist Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749-1832), expresses his contempt towards the positive connotation of tolerance. To only tolerate others for who they are shows a disapproval of their belief system, lifestyle, ethnic group, etc. Synonyms of tolerance include permission, allowance, toleration, liberty, exemption, permit, warrant, open mindedness, and acceptance. In the view of the majority in our culture, tolerance is seen as a term that is interchangeable with open mindedness, acceptance, and non-prejudice. In my life I have had a great deal of experience with tolerance. From a positive perspective, I hold tolerance as a necessary value in our society.

We must not allow dissension and hate spawned from difference cause us to condemn our brothers. On the other side of the coin, mere tolerance sometimes falls short of acceptance. Over the past four years competing in speech tournaments, I have learned a great deal of this form of tolerance. When someone is forced to interact with someone that they do not like or accept, they may merely spout off words of politeness and false civility. As Shakespeare hinted at in Macbeth, false faces hide false hearts. If we only tolerate, we still find other unacceptable.

One of the operations by which one can practice and further understand the positive form of tolerance is simply studying different cultures and exposing yourself to other peoples, belief systems, etc. Ignorance is the root of intolerance in most cases. Throughout history men have feared, and even hated, what they could not understand. For these reasons tolerance is taught often in this day and age as a solution.

If we can identify with another person on terms that we are familiar with, tolerance comes simple. But if we can only see their differences, and not look past them far enough to see the common bond inherent in all man, than we will be slaves to intolerance and ignorance. Tolerance, as it is seen in the mainstream, is vital to a productive and peaceful existence with all peoples of the world. Not allowing simple differences to turn us against our brothers and sisters shows an application of, in the words of Gandhi, "correct understanding". Tolerance then, is generally noted as acceptance. If we are truly to accept one another, than we must go a step further than mere tolerance.

We should know and understand the differences of others. Also we must grasp that all humans, through their differences, are inherently the same. We all love, fear, admonish, and at times despise. If there was true tolerance, thought of in its most positive form it would be acceptance, and the word tolerance would still be just merely putting up with..