What about when they teach their kids about gay people? its going to come up sooner or later that their kids will ask them about it... if you teach others to hate, I would consider that acting upon their feelings.
I was taught as a child not to hate those who are different that me... but I also dont have to tolerate discrimination.
"Yea but as long as someone isnt openly homophobic and doesnt act upon their feelings, i dont see a problem with a person being homophobic. Its only when someone starts discriminating against other people because of something that they are unable to control that i find them intolerable."
I know people who don't like homosexuality, yet they don't discriminate or act violent. Having a standpoint and acting wrongly upon it are two different things.
-AC
TC>I understand what you're saying cos theres a lot of people out there who are homophobic etc cos their parents were. But as long as those parents make sure their kids know its unacceptable to bully and harm people because of the way they are i have a lot less of a problem with them. Most people are prejudiced towards some faction/race/sexuality, just how extreme that prejudice is decides on whether i tolerate it or not.
Originally posted by Alpha Centauri
I know people who don't like homosexuality, yet they don't discriminate or act violent. Having a standpoint and acting wrongly upon it are two different things.-AC
I dont like homosexuality either, never tried homosexuality, never will... I dont discriminate against gays, and I dont act violent. I have friends who are gay, and thats not a big deal... that doesnt mean I'm homophobic, that means Im a heterosexual. There is a difference between disagreeing with something and hating someone for it. For example:
1) A fair statement for a gay person to make:
"I like being gay"
2) A fair statement for a heterosexual to make in response to #1:
"I like being straight, gay isn't my thing... doesnt sound like something I'd be into."
3) An unfair statement for a heterosexual to make in response to #1:
" I hate gay people"
There is most definately a difference between having a standpoint on an issue and acting wrongly on it. Option #2 disagrees with homosexuality, but does so respectfully. Option #3 disagrees with homosexuality, but hatefully.
Naybean- fair enough statement there i guess... we do all have some prejudices, but the thing is can we get past those prejudices? If we can we are not intolerant, if you cant get past them I think there is a problem.
Tolerance refers to an attitude of openness and respect for the differences that exist among people. Although originally used to refer to ethnic and religious differences, the concepts of diversity and tolerance can also be applied to gender, people with physical and intellectual disabilities and other differences too.
Tolerance means respecting and learning from others, valuing differences, bridging cultural gaps, rejecting unfair stereotypes, discovering common ground and creating new bonds. Tolerance, in many ways, is the opposite of prejudice.
Tolerance is about accepting people for who they are - not about accepting bad behavior.
TC> 3) is crossing the mark. No question about it. But the person who thinks "i hate gay people" but does not say it or act on it is the kind of person i will tolerate. I'm not going to agree with them but as long as they dont go around stating that they dont like gay people, I will tolerate their opinions. If everyone could get past their prejudices we'd be living in a close to perfect world.
Originally posted by Alpha Centauri
I don't really have a problem them saying either really. Just as long as they don't try to drone it in or drone on about it. Also as long as they don't get hostile with it."I hate gay people." Fine. Your opinion. As long as it's not taken further than it needs to.
-AC
Things like hatred can easily grow. It's best to not allow them to be there, as they can really screw with your head if they contradict reality.
Originally posted by Turbo-Cajun
11inches -To use your earlier example or tolerance/intolerance:
Homophobes = hate gays because they exist
Homosexuals = wants to exist with out discrimination
There is a major difference in the validity of these opinions... if you cant see the difference between these two positions, I can try again later.
Homophopes = dislike gays
Homosexuals = dislike homophobes.
It works both ways
What does it mean to be tolerant?
I suppose it means you don’t judge people based on facts/traits these people didn’t choose (such as sexual orientation, skin-colour, gender).
Now, comes the group of people where the facts were CHOSEN (religion, political orientation, morality).
Here I claim my right to NOT be tolerant – when the religion/political orientation is dangerous to other people and society.
No – I will NOT accept Nazis for example. They HAD their try in the 1930’s/40’s and I saw what that meant.
No one is born a Nazi, religious fanatic or fascist.
If you’re tolerant towards EVERYTHING you’re basically being a coward and refuse to take a stand AND responsibility. (I strongly DESPISE cultural relativism for example).
Intolerant political and religious extremist will often want to INFRINGE the right of people based on a trait which is not a choice.
Whoever said “I’m tolerant of people who’re tolerant” made a wise quote.