Tolerance: Questionable Terminology
By: Michael Conrad Kelley
Tolerance is a word often associated with racial acceptance and diversity. Is this really the best we can do?
The more I hear the term, the more I question if merely tolerating each other is truly the message we want to convey. I looked up the definition in the Webster’s Dictionary and found it meant: to put up with; to recognize and respect the opinions and rights of others; to endure; to suffer. I am convinced that only a portion of the definition really meets the criteria for true acceptance those who use the term are trying to imply.
I have been pouring through the dictionary, thesaurus, and reference guides to find a term that I believe embodies the message properly. I have come to the conclusion that there is no one single word that completely encompasses the traits I am looking for.
Perhaps that is what I was meant to find. There is no one word, no catchy phrase, but an abundance of different words, with varying origins and meanings, that all need to come together to achieve the desired definition.
For now, I will simply resign myself to act with benevolence. Not a word one hears everyday, but a nice word with wonderful synonyms such as: magnanimity, charity, tenderness, altruism, humanity, philanthropy, generosity, liberality, and good will. It may not be the perfect word, but I believe it comes close.
Michael Conrad Kelley is the co-author of the children’s book and parenting guide Zooch the Pooch, My Best Friend. http://www.zoochthepooch.com