Tolerance -- a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.
This is the dictionary definition of "tolerance." However, I don't feel that's what the word really means. To me, tolerance means something you do to "put up" with something until it goes away or stops bothering you. It has a negative connotation.
Tolerance does not say to me "Let's accept everyone as they are and let them live their lives." It says "Fine, there are people who do different things and believe different things than I do, and I can't do anything about it even though I'm trying my hardest, so I'll have to just put up with it but I don't have to like it or treat them like people."
Since when should we be teaching our children to just "tolerate" others? That's one of the major problems with the world. If people taught their children to be "respectful" and "understanding" of others, the world would be better off.
Respect -- esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability
Understanding -- mental process of a person who comprehends; comprehension; personal interpretation
Instead of just shutting people out because they are different from us in some way, why don't we show them respect as human beings who are free to make their own decisions about what they want to do with their lives. Why don't we strive to learn at least a little bit about them and take it in as a learning experience instead of having to be at odds with them just because they think/act/look differently than you?
Human beings should strive to respect other people's choices and understand that they may be different, how they are different, and respect that there is difference between everyone and if we are to make this a better place, learn from each others' differences instead of letting it drive a wedge between us all!
If something someone does doesn't have anything to do with you, doesn't harm you, doesn't even involve you, why should you care what they do or try to stop them just because it's different from what you do?
I guess this is mainly right now directed at gay marriage and those who are opposing it. But as far as I'm concerned, this applies to ANYONE who has problems with anyone else because of skin color, religion, race, personal appearances, etc. Don't judge a book by its cover. I know that's such an old phrase and it may be overused, but it's so true at the same time.
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