How does toleration apply to me?

I briefly touched on my often intolerant views before. It’s interesting that I can view myself as being respectful and tolerant of other people, and at the same time classify myself as being intolerant. A lot of it comes down to ethnocentrism however. Do I think certain religious practices are outdated and inhumane? Most certainly, I will definitely voice my opinion on what I think is the injustice for other people.

I think it’s impossible to be completing tolerant of any religion. As most people in my class are aware, my goal is to become an advocacy worker in LGBT rights. Obviously I cannot be tolerant of religions who view homosexuality as an abomination and a sin. I think there is a big difference between being tolerant and being respectful. I can tell someone I believe that their views are wrong and I cannot accept or condone them, but this does not mean, I can’t be respectful and courteous to the person I’m in disagreement with.

I do think I’m for the most part tolerant. I grew up in a very religious household; my mother is a devout Mormon, who lives 5 minutes from the SLC temple. When I visit, I attend church with her, I keep my opinions to myself, I dress up, take my piercings out and cover my tattoos, because while I do not agree with her faith or church, it does not mean I need to force every bit of my belief down their throats, and I respect that they do not do the same to me.

I think that is where a lot of intolerance comes into play at, people just need to sit back, believe what they believe and realize its ok for others to believe something else, and for you to be around it and not feel someone is going to convert you. They may certainly try, but smile, thank them for their time, and move on, if it doesn’t effect you, then you’ve only lost a bit of time, if it does, then maybe you were supposed to be listening….

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Tags: 214, Phi

Comment by James S Saint on September 25, 2009 at 2:35pm
"I briefly touched on my often intolerant views before. It’s interesting that I can view myself as being respectful and tolerant of other people, and at the same time classify myself as being intolerant. A lot of it comes down to ethnocentrism however. Do I think certain religious practices are outdated and inhumane? Most certainly, I will definitely voice my opinion on what I think is the injustice for other people."

How is this any different than merely your own intolerant religion???


"I think that is where a lot of intolerance comes into play at, people just need to sit back, believe what they believe and realize its ok for others to believe something else"

Is this what YOU do? Or is that merely for other people to do?

At what point is it not any longer "ok"?
Comment by Cally Grissom on September 25, 2009 at 2:44pm
I agree with your last paragraph, it's not like you can tell them ahh your beliefs suck go away, thats just rude.
Comment by Chandra Fudge on September 25, 2009 at 3:02pm
James,

I guess it's not any different, although I wouldn't classify my views as a religion. If that makes me an intolerant person, to feel the way I do, then I'm ok with that. I think the many atrocities done in the name of religion are exactly that, and I do not lose any sleep for being intolerant of them.

As far as the second statement you quoted, it's hard for me to respond, when you only chose a portion of an entire statement. The way you quoted it takes on a different meaning than what I intended. No it's not always ok for people to believe what they want to believe, however that is an opinion, my opinion. But when someone comes up to you, whether it be in your home, or out and about, why is it so difficult to be polite and respectful to the person. If you really just don't want to listen, then there are plenty of polite ways to decline, but it isn't going to change who you are and what you believe, by taking a few minutes and listening to someone talk about a faith that has affected them in a positive way.

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