As related to social, cultural and religious differences, there are some who view tolerance in an undesirable light. These individuals seem to feel that tolerating those with differing perspectives implies they've betrayed their own viewpoints and instead, aligned themselves with someone else's beliefs.
Tolerance is necessary for us to cohabitate and coexist peacefully in a world of diversity. It's what we teach our children in elementary school. Are our self-identities so fragile that we risk losing them by being open to understanding that which we may not agree with?
It costs us very little to show kindness and respect to one other. It can eventually cost us everything, however, to insist that everyone else is wrong and we're the only ones who are 'right'.
Planting the Seeds of Peace: Exploring and Celebrating our Differences
If young children can grasp this concept, what's our excuse as grown adults?
Rika
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