Undertow
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LizzieMaine said:I think the problem with "tolerance" is that it implies "well, we *tolerate* you, but you're still One Of Those Other People." Too many people today are so busy congratulating themselves for being "tolerant" that they can't see the hypocrisy involved. If they actually, deep down, considered Those Other People their true equals, they wouldn't have to fuss so much about "tolerating" them.
Exactly, which is why I think "Inclusion" is a better word than "tolerance", and even then, trying to put a word to the concept is still tough.
Everyone knows a guy makes makes racist jokes, followed by, "Yeah, but I have [x] friends, so it's cool."
What's so sad about that is how indicative it is that folks still split people in their minds. Hey, I'm by no means the most tolerant or inclusive person (believe me, I'm just a big, mean curmudgeon), but when it comes to race or nationality, I can't even see that in front of my eyes. Who knows, maybe I have subconscious drawbacks based on race...
...but if you're car is stuck in a snow bank, I'm going to pull over no matter what color your skin is. That doesn't even factor into my mind.