Tolerance

What is tolerance? If you look in the dictionary one of the definitions listed is, “A fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one’s own.”

 I am somewhat saddened that one of the values we, as a human society seem to lack is that of tolerance. Going as far back as 1892 when Annie Moore from County Cork first stepped onto Ellis Island in hope for a better life, our society has geld together many nationalities, religions, and beliefs. It is too bad we didn’t add a little respect, knowledge, or patience to the mixture as well.

 We, as parents need to teach and practice tolerance to and with our own children. Our children look up to us, we are their role models. They study us and mimic us. What we might think are harmless comments about a person’s disability, personal preference, or looks can eventually mold our child’s view of their fellow man. Children are people too. We tend to forget that. They live what they learn.

 Tolerance begins at home. We need to value our children. Each child is different and we should respect that difference. We need to help our children feel good about themselves. In return, our children will have a more positive outlook on life and learn to appreciate differences.

 As a family unit we honor our own traditions which have been passed down through generations. That does not mean that we can’t be open and accepting of others traditions and beliefs. There is something to the saying,” Treat others as you wish to be treated.”

 Charlotte Bronte once said, “Prejudices, it is well known, are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilized by education; they grow there, firm as weeds among the stones.”

Why Not Let Tolerance Be Our Guide?

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