Originally posted by BDSM_Tourguide
Tolerance also does not mean just ignoring someone or groups of people because they believe differently than you do. That's just ignoring people because they believe differently than you do. There's nothing tolerant about that. Tolerance denoted a certain amount of interaction between peoples of differing beliefs.
Very good point!

Tolerance must (or at least should) be active. The best expression of tolerance I know is that once expressed by Voltaire when he said to someone: "I don't agree with what you say, but I will fight for your right to say it." Kudos, Volty...


Originally posted by BDSM_Tourguide
Does that mean everyone must accept every other person's quirks, beliefs or lifestyles as their own? Not at all. It simply means that people should try to understand the perspectives from which others' views are developed. (...) Tolerance is just that: Tolerance. It is not acceptance.
Very good point too.

Unfortunately many 'enlightened' people (enlightened religiously, politically or even BDSMly) will brand you intolerant if you do not subscribe to their beliefs.

Similarly, they will take any sign of tolerance as a proof that you share their views.


Originally posted by BDSM_Tourguide
It's not about ignoring people, or trying to convince them that they're ways are wrong or that your way of life is the right way.
My way of life is the right way! For me...


Originally posted by BDSM_Tourguide
These people do not exhibit their tolerance of us, therefore they probably do not deserve our tolerance of them or our respect. I will respect and tolerate people just as much as they respect and tolerate me.
We have an interesting point, here.

My gut feeling is to go along with you. But isn't there a danger of escalation, of lesser and lesser understanding, of greater and greater distanciation, with all the inherent dangers this implies?


Originally posted by BDSM_Tourguide
I expect people to want to earn my respect, not to just expect it from me.
Well, you've earned mine. For what it's worth...

Cheers