Is there a difference anymore between tolerance and intolerance? There doesn’t seem to be. We no longer seem to “agree to disagree”.
My son’s high school recently had a walk-out over chicken sandwiches. It seems the administration allowed it to be one-sided. Frankly, I am not surprised, but I am disappointed. I am proud that my son is shaping his own opinions. I think that he—or anyone with the same or opposing views—should have the opportunity to be heard. I believe our public education system, above all, should be a place that fosters independent thinking and respectful discourse.
I often think we only give lip service to the concept of diversity—at least in my environment, which is education (where the discussions should be had). Like church, I believe school should “make the uncomfortable comfortable and the comfortable uncomfortable”. Education should challenge our knowledge, understanding, values, and beliefs. It should make us uncomfortable in some areas—especially those areas in which we are most comfortable.
We educators, too, should be challenged on a daily basis. We should allow students to challenge the status quo—albeit by providing an evidence-based argument.
Teach young people that it is okay to disagree. Disagreement, however, should be debated and discussed rather than shouted from two sides of a protest line. (It certainly should not be one-sided!)
This generation is, perhaps, the most tolerant in US history. I question sometimes, though, if it is only because they fear speaking their intolerance.
I welcome challenges from my students. They should know though that I don’t want to just hear their opinions. They have to base their belief on sound physiology (I teach exercise physiology, after all). They also have to be respectful of others. They don’t have to agree, but I expect discussion and informed questioning to be respectful. I expect nothing less in my children’s (and your children’s) education.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!