Quote:
Originally Posted by Normy
-I've already said why I started this thread: A poster on the forum of the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel basically stated that he felt that the notion of "tolerance" was forced acceptance. I'll paraphrase: he feels that he is being forced to "accept" people that are different from him.
How do the two houses get along? You'd be surprised to find out that when 2909 goes on vacation...these fundamentalist christians ask the two gay guys next door to watch their house.
Thoughts?
N!
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As for the guy in the article....Everyone is different. Politically, socially, morally, religiously...the list can go on and on. If he feels he is "forced" to accept others that are different he might as well become a hermit now and spare himself an aneurysm later. If he doesn't want to accept it???? Fine with me. What's he going to do about it? Nothing, unless he is a sociopath in which case he was likely to go off the deep end about something else anyway. Most likely he will endlessly repeat the same mindless rant on some BB as the spittle flies from his lips. He'd probably be happier swallowing a bullit as most likely he is one unhappy douche.
A person who thinks the rest of a society should have to conform to meet their specific list of criteria is one arrogant prick. Likewise I think swallowing a bullit is the best recourse for that individual as well.
If you cannot
accept differences in others, you have no business living in a society. Not saying you have to like the differences or agree with them mind you. Being a
willing member of a society
demands you be
tolerant in those situations within the generally accepted mores of that society.
As an example:
I am a hetero man. I don't mind being labelled as a "hetero" or "breeder". Why would I, as long as I was not labelled in a manner meant to demean. It is the intent behind the word and not the use of the word. Granted, some words are created solely to demean. I have Gay friends. They good naturedly call me "the straight one", "Breeder" and such. Likewise, I return the good natured ribbing with "B!tch" if male or "Prick" if female,etc..You get my drift? Anyway, to the root (if you will)....I am not Gay. I will never understand what it feels to be Gay even though I believe I know
why my friends are Gay. I could never be sexual with a man, it gives me the Heebie Jeebies just thinking of it and my friends
know this. THey could care less! I respect them and I accept them as a member in my society. I don't need to tolerate them. They are my friends.
Not to say I don't tolerate some of their quirks or actions. WHo doesn't at some level? My wife of 17 years tolerates some of my crap. I tolerate some of hers. We still love and respect each other dearly and
accept the baggage.
As for your neighbors Normy? I think they "accept" and "respect" the other's right to find the life that makes them happy within the boundries of our society. I don't get the impression that "tolerance" comes into play at all.....They certainly aren't "forced" to have their neighbors watch their home.