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What is acceptable to not tolerate?

Asked by wundayatta (58722points) October 4th, 2011

This is the third in a series of toleration questions today. Obviously the last.

I think when we think of tolerance, we think of some unreasonable prejudices. We know that racism and sexism and homophobia are illegal in some societies. So is discrimination against the disabled or the aged. We want people to tolerate others based on these factors.

I’d like you to look at the other side. What are legitimate grounds to be intolerant of others in your opinion? Why do you feel you don’t have to tolerate that? Try to go for gray area intolerances, not things like murderers or rapists and other kinds of criminals.

For example, think instead of people like those who are unfaithful to their spouses. Do you tolerate infidelity in your circle of friends? If not, why not? Do you even bother to try to walk a mile in their shoes? What about people of other political parties? Religions? Supporters of rival sports teams (think soccer/football riots in England)?

Try to come up with other examples where there might be more ambiguity. Be brave, my friends! We will try to tolerate differences of opinion here! ;-)

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