pie2 Posted December 4, 2012 Share Posted December 4, 2012 I'm going with the Oxford Dictionary on this: Tolerance (mass noun): the ability to or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees with. The above definition really does not mean that much, if you don't know what "to tolerate" means. As you seem to prefer Oxford, to tolerate means: to allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference. Without interference means, imo, without berating/insulting/criticizing. Regarding your school girl example: The [teachers] were forcing her out...they said either be a Christian or get out of the country. That is not permitting her belief. That is saying do it our way or get out....They ganged up on her, and imposed their beliefs onto her. "You either accept that this is a Christian country (it's not, actually) or get out," is what one teacher told her. Is that saying, "we're going to permit your beliefs?" No, it's saying "It's our way, or the highway." I'd feel the same anger if it were a Christian being persecuted by atheists/other groups. The teachers were being intolerant! But, not according to your definition. They had no power to remove her from the country. They did not tie her down and carry her out of the country, or make her profess faith. They were being verbally rude (much as you could under the definition of tolerance you adhere to)...and they interfered in her ability to feel comfortable in her beliefs. That is not tolerant. Tolerance includes being polite Link to post Share on other sites
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