Tolerance is associated with respect.
The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) defines tolerance as respect for the thoughts and actions of third parties when they are opposite or different from one's own.
The concept originates from the Latin tolerare ( "to endure" ) and refers to the level of admission or approval of that which is contrary to our morals . It is, in other words, the attitude we adopt when we encounter something that is different from our values.
Suppose a person is a vegetarian : he does not eat meat because he believes that animals have the right to live in peace and should not be sacrificed to become food for human beings. When encountering a person who eats meat every day, the vegetarian will be tolerant if he does not condemn the carnivore's decision, even though he does not make it.
The limits of tolerance
It is important to keep in mind that tolerance is not synonymous with indifference . That is to say, not paying attention or directly denying the values that others defend is not a tolerant attitude. Tolerance implies, first of all, respect , and in the best of cases, understanding.
It should be noted that, although tolerance invites us to respect and understand the values of others, it does not mean accepting those that subjugate the rights of others. If a subject firmly defends racial supremacy and seeks the extermination of those who are different, it in no way means that his position must be tolerated.
To live together in harmony, tolerance is essential.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a North American movement that fights especially against the suicide of young homosexuals and transsexuals due to discrimination and attacks, a product of intolerance . It was founded by writer James Lecesne, director Peggy Rajski and producer Randy Stone, creators of a short film titled Trevor , winner of an Oscar in 1994. The story is about the life of a teenager who, after being rejected by When his friends come out of the closet , he tries to take his own life.
The filmmakers of the short understood that the plot represented the reality of many people and, upon discovering that there was no support telephone line, they decided to dedicate their efforts to forming an organization that promoted the acceptance of lesbians, gays , bisexuals, transsexuals and young people. in general, that they went through difficult periods of introspection. Its main objective is to help overcome crises and prevent suicide.
Likewise, the Trevor Project offers online assistance, through chat. It is worth mentioning that it was the first service of its type in the United States and that it offers its users absolute confidentiality. Additionally, international stars such as Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe have publicly supported him. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of groups like this, the rate of suicide due to abuse and rejection grows every day .
Resignation and tolerance
Human beings are the only ones capable of attacking our species and the rest of living beings; We display a worrying level of violence , and for no apparent reason. But it is even more striking that there are also people who fight for peace, for acceptance, for animal rights , who try to resolve the errors of the opposite extreme. How to trust a species that presents such duality?
If someone reaches the point of despising another for thinking differently, of kicking their children out of their home for being homosexual, of killing for ideological differences, can they really change, reconsider and begin to accept diversity? Tolerance is a fragile and thin veil , and it often reveals for a moment the true essence of those who claim to embrace it; In a moment of tension, someone uses an adjective like "Jew" or "black" to insult another person, and then it is shown that the change had only been apparent and that there is much work ahead.