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LaTigresse -> RE: Tolerance? Respect? (10/25/2011 1:08:35 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: GreedyTop
I saw this over on FL... and I thought it wuold make for an interesting conversation:
"Respect—not tolerance—must be our goal if we would diminish prejudice in our time. For tolerance is often but a gentle disguise for prejudice: the tolerant often behave as self-appointed connoisseurs of weaknesses in others, or self-appointed protectors of those whom they deem to be their inferiors. Psychologically, there is a strong resemblance between the stridently "tolerant" and the prejudiced. For while the one may descend to attacking whole groups of men and the other may rise to a passionate defense of them, both are equally indiscriminate in their attack or defense; and neither has any concern whatsoever for individual character." - Selma G. Hirsch, U.S. social scientist."
I think the whole thing is too vague with too much grey area.
I could count on one hand, with fingers left over, the number of people in this world I respect. I don't OWE ANYONE respect. However there are certain positions I respect that individuals may hold, that I feel I owe a certain amount of respect to. The office of president for instance. Depending on the time in history I may have no respect at all for the person but the position/office is a slightly different thing. Then again, there is a reason why the military was never something I considered. Too many fucktards running things I couldn't even pretend to respect.
Courtesy....that is a different kettle of fish. I can be courteous to damned near anyone given the situation and need. That is a part of civilized society and how we, as humans, manage to get along in any sort of way. I figure my grandmother and great aunt worked so hard to try and teach me good manners, the least I can do is live like I was paying attention.
Tolerance is also kinda grey. There is shit that happens here at work that I need to be tolerant of to keep things cruising along. That same shit may not be tolerated at all, outside of here. It all comes down to how badly I want to stay here, and whether or not there is any conflict with my own personal morality in tolerating the shit at work.
As far as other people's weirdnesses or whatever......right or wrong, my own views and morality is always going to colour what I believe is acceptable. That is just human nature.
The way I see it, the best route to take is educating people in whatever ways we can. Having calm, rational discussions with people we may disagree with, but in a way that is non-confrontational but allows for a different perspective. Then allowing them to find their own way.
Some people are just so set in their way of thinking that you are not going to change it. You've got to accept that. To try and fight it will often have the very opposite effect from the desired one. Life is either going to teach them, or it won't.
For ME, it's all about accepting the responsibility of our opinions. Being able to own it and accept that there may be consequences. I can respect a person I disagree with as long as they are honourable about their own opinions. I cannot respect a person that runs around saying what they think people want to hear because it's PC and all that bullshit, even if I agree with their original opinion.
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