Devon Christensen

Tolerance of Intentions

Tolerance - a sensitive subject and a powerful term. When used in a positive way

it describes the cohesion of two opposing parties or forces having respect for the

opposing beliefs, civility to treat each other fairly, and kindness for clarity of position and

peace. When used negatively you hear the word intolerant which denotes a lack of

civility and respect, being overbearing and hostile. It demonizes character as an

opposing party declares the other intolerant. Being intolerant and using the term is

usually a result from a lack of understanding. Since tolerance and intolerance have such

great impacts between parties, why is it a sensitive term? The answer lies in the

definition, and clarity of what is tolerance. The argument I wish to present is founded in

the definitions of Classical-tolerance and Neo-tolerance as presented by VonBergen.

Also, that Neo-tolerance should not be accepted as the new definition of tolerance in

society because of its forceful nature and lack of practices that promote tolerance.

Lastly an application in relation to Dr. David Ramey’s argument that tolerance of

intentions between parties increases when respect, civility and kindness are practiced.

According to (VonBergen) the definition of tolerance has changed to what is

described as Neo-tolerant. More recent understandings of tolerance suggest that

individuals should fully welcome and unambiguously endorse others' alternative ways of

feeling, thinking, and acting.[ CITATION Obe01 \l 1033 ]

 Devon Christensen

The definition of tolerance has changed according to the article “Creating a Climate and

Culture of Civility in a Sea of Intolerance” to what is being called Neo-

tolerant[ CITATION Von12 \l 1033 ] vs our classical definition of tolerance. We currently

have two definitions. Could this be the cause of why we more often have parties with

different levels of intolerance of intentions 1? What is the new definition of tolerance then,

and how is the intolerance of intentions affected? To answer these questions Let us

define Neo-tolerance and Classical-tolerance. We find a clear definition from

“Tolerance: Between forbearance and acceptance”. Neo-tolerance: a shift from

forbearance to acceptance. This explanation of tolerance suggest that individuals

should fully welcome and unambiguously endorse others' alternative ways of feeling,

thinking, and acting.[ CITATION Obe01 \l 1033 ] The neo-classical definition of tolerance

asks citizens to be open-minded and empathetic toward a virtually endless parade of

differences; asking them to work sympathetically to build institutional and cultural

standards that will accommodate different ways of life. Neo-classical tolerance goes

beyond respecting a person’s right to think and behave differently and demands that

practically every nontraditional value, claim, and personal practice be made morally

legitimate.

Now that Neo-tolerance is defined, we can see that the main idea of it is

equality. The intention of this equality; to make everything equal except that which

opposes the intentions of the status quo. We can see that good intentions behind it but

what is happening is the neo-tolerance idealism wants to force an individual and society

to accept, but that is not what tolerance means and is rather more intolerant. The first

definition of intolerance by Merriam- Webster is unable or unwilling to endure. Beliefs/

1 I say intentions to summarize ideas, beliefs, and actions with a purpose
 Devon Christensen

faiths of differing ideas will on average have more in common than uncommon.

Intolerance should not necessarily be line in the sand; The thing in question should be

tolerated if it holds no infringement to opposing party. It is interesting to note that the

most accepted synonyms for intolerance are bigotry, narrow-mindedness, small-

mindedness, dogmatism, and prejudice. These synonyms are what I consider to be

reflections of a mind-set that pins intolerant persons or parties to be of a hatred,

stubbornness, or denial of truth contrary to evidence presented that may or may not

actually be true. Intolerance may in another light be of an enlightened mind or faith in a

truth that has had evidence presented, tested, a verdict reached, and a judgement

made on what is to be the accepted belief or truth. [ CITATION Joh83 \l 1033 ] Because

of the judgement made by a person or group, an act or acceptance of an opposing

belief is unacceptable without another trail of evidence. If an unacceptable belief is

accepted without trial then any further judgement that is made, is invalid.

Classical Tolerance: the willingness to “put up with” those things that one rejects

and a readiness to permit the expression of ideas or interests one opposes. The

classical definition includes a willingness to bear with people whose ideas and practices

are not merely different but believed to be wrong. The classical definition of tolerance

incorporates the idea that everyone can be entitled to their own opinion and that people

should recognize and respect others’ beliefs, practices, etc. without agreeing,

sympathizing or sharing in them and to bear with someone or something not especially

liked. Classic tolerance simply means the ability to hold on to one’s convictions while

accepting the right of others to hold on to theirs. Tolerance cannot be described as

indifference but rather, recognition of difference. Tolerance does not have to do with
 Devon Christensen

accepting another person’s belief, only his or her right to have that belief[ CITATION

Von12 \l 1033 ].

Classical-tolerance does seem to be the most peaceful way to behave toward

adversity, but it is more difficult to follow Classical-tolerance[ CITATION Obe01 \l 1033 ].

It is important, however, to have in society - standards of conduct are raised, politeness,

and an increased understanding of opposition or differentiation. There is a foundation to

Classical Tolerance whereas Neo-Tolerance there is not. The foundation is Respect,

Civility, and Kindness. When we practice these on a personal level or other social

environments we increase the functionality of Classical-tolerance.

How does practicing Respect, Civility, and Kindness create a culture of

tolerance? Respect can be considered a mutual quality that requires both sharing things

that are important and listening to what could be considered important to others. One

can also acknowledge the thoughts, feelings, and actions while still retaining a

disagreement. Civility permits conflict and criticism of others’ beliefs and practices, but it

limits the ways in which this conflict can be pursued based on respect for the person.

For criticism to be civil it cannot be blind, based on stereotypes or debase opposing

viewpoints but rather requires knowledge and basic concern for the identity and voice of

others[ CITATION Von12 \l 1033 ]. Kindness is in the details, it is our attitude in

respecting another person and when we try to have civility the best place to start is to

be kind, the phrase “Kill’em with Kindness” still holds true. In adversity, be receptive to

diversity but hold true to your standards, find positivity, be genuine. In what ways can

anyone practice respect, civility and kindness. Is the result really the best cure? The

article “The Case for Civility in the Workplace” Dr. Ramsey gives suggestions of
 Devon Christensen

principles relating to the work place, but I believe can also be applied in non-work

environments can do to help create a culture of civility but can promote tolerance as

well. A few of his suggestions are Model Civility “Walk the Talk, Reduce

impersonalization in the workplace, Teach Civility. The given suggestions don’t

guarantee immediate success, but they do contribute in building a culture of civility and

tolerance[ CITATION Rob08 \l 1033 ].

The power of respect, civility, and kindness from what we now understand is that

by practicing these values we change ourselves to better handle opposition, while

retaining respect for the individual. If Neo-tolerance becomes the household definition of

tolerance, then we can expect an increase of intolerance towards those who are in

opposition. In the words of Lickona “Tolerance must include respect for moral and

religious conscience, or it is not tolerance at all”.[ CITATION Lic02 \l 1033 ] His

reference to religion can be applied to not just those who have a belief in a higher power

but to those who believe in and participate in a group or organization. As much as we

would like to make others think and live the way we do it is not practical, everyone is

different, and no one is perfect. Our society needs us to be tolerant of others, but we

also do not have to fully agree or accept what we view is different. When Respect,

Civility, and Kindness are practiced standards of conduct are raised, understandings

between ideals increases, and communication and trust flow; a culture of tolerance is

made. It starts with the one who tries, but it can have a rolling wave effect that can

reach on into society.

 Devon Christensen

References[ CITATION Lic02 \l 1033 ]

D., R. D. (2008). The Case for Civility in the Workplace. SuperVision, 3-6.

Hawkim, D. (2001). Ford Motor Workers Get on the Job Training in Religious Tolerance. The New York
Times.

Lickona. (2002). Making sense of tolerance and diversity. The Fourth and Fith Rs, 8,1-3.

Locke, J. (1689/1983). A letter Concerning toleration. Indianapolis: Hackett.

Oberdiek, H. (2001). Tolerance: Between forbearancea and acceptance. Lanham, MA: Rowman &
Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

VonBergen, C., Bressler, M. S., & Collier, G. (2012). Creating a Culture and Climate of Civlity In a Sea of
Intolerance. Journal of Organizational Culture, Communications and Conflict, 85-102.