Wednesday, February 02, 2005

The Intolerance of Tolerance

Why do we have to have classes at work about tolerance? Why is tolerance defined by which side of the issue one is standing? Why is it, that those that promote tolerance, have to keep teaching those that are intolerant, how to be tolerant? Just how situational is tolerance? The word "intolerance" seems to have replaced prejudice in some cases. And we have determined that prejudice is born of ignorance. Did the people that chose to be prejudiced, change their minds? Or did we just find new issues and new words to describe the same old ignorant attitudes?
We all know someone that is so "tolerant" and "open-minded" and "unprejudiced," that they can tell us exactly how many people of different ethnicities and lifestyles that they know, and we are obliged to listen tolerantly. I heard on the radio last month, that a local church of a particular denomination was having a presentation for others to learn about Islam in the name of tolerance. But that is also the same denomination that is boycotting certain businesses over another religion and political ties . . . So where is the tolerance? It seems to me, we've made so many things an issue, that basically, all must attend tolerance classes for some special group. And on every issue, those that are labelled "tolerant" cannot tolerate those that are labelled "intolerant." But in reality, regardless of the latest label of of an ostracized group, tolerance classes are held for four reasons, besides government and money. At this point in the history of man; government and money are pretty much always a factor.
Now, back to the reasons closer to home. The first reason for mandatory attendace is: those that are employed would like to stay that way. The second reason is: To learn the latest buzzwords that apply to this particular group of people or cause, and the appropriateness of an "outsider" of the particular group to use the buzzwords. The third reason is a little more self-serving for those that are required to attend: To learn how to avoid being slapped with some sort of a lawsuit in the workplace or at school. And the fourth reason employers seem compelled to make all employees attend is: Too many people in our society didn't learn how to
Just Be Nice!
But having to attend tolerance classes in the work place is a little like being in elementary school when everyone was required to stay in from recess because the teacher didn't know who shot the rubber band . . .
Maybe tolerance is one of those things that must be demonstrated to really be taught effectively.
Why can't those that demand, promote, and teach tolerance just learn to tolerate the rest?

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them . . .


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

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Love, Rach

Anonymous said...

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