Tolerance - Redefined

The Traditional view of tolerance is, “I disagree with what you say, and I will defend your right to say it to the death”. The current view of tolerance is, “I disagree with what you say, so you can’t say it”.

This article is not about assessing who or what is to blame, but rather to acknowledge the drift from the Traditional view and seek potential resolutions. As a society we are now dealing with more selfish and intolerant generations than ever before. This drift is a societal recipe for disaster, just check the history books.

📷One of the reasons we founded Camp Sherman on the Double B Ranch is because of this downward drift of tolerance, character, integrity, honesty, the value of your word, and many other values. We desire to give the youth of today a stead-fast opportunity to witness an example and be influenced by those of you that treasure and live by these Traditional values and practice civil social skills.

I find that many of the societal views today to be self-serving and are structured such to break down a thriving cohesive society vs to strengthen one. My upbringing was to respect others (even in disagreement) and conduct a civil discussion to understand the others’ point of view, not to disrespect them by blowing them off. IF we value others as a fellow human being, their right for “Freedom of Speech”, and their point of view should be honored by us. Steve Covey said is best, “Understand, then be understood”.

I find that many are willing to discard and discredit others too quickly when they don’t agree. The many see themselves as ‘superior’ and view others as an ‘object’ to be used, rather than a fellow human being just like themselves; with fears, failures, heartaches, dreams and successes. If we demand respect, we are obligated to extend it to others.

As a society we are quickly losing the value of tolerance AND the skill set to have a civil discussion with someone of a differing opinion. This drift of tolerance is a very slippery slope, and one that is very difficult to recover from, because it breeds division, hate, bigotry, selfishness, a scarcity mentality, and many other negative traits that are not congruent for a vibrant and growing society.

In a cohesive vibrant and growing society, you will find an abundance of respect, tolerance and civil social skills. The Traditional values that do remain, today, are strictly due to those that continue to set the example by ‘standing up and stepping out’.

I encourage each of you that desire to leave this place a little better than you found it, to take a stand with us. It is our responsibility, as adults, to set the proper example for the next generations, and to promote the values for a cohesive society.

Years down the road, when your grandkids talk about their grandparents (you), what stories will they share? Did you take a stand to respect and be tolerant of others, OR that you allowed our Traditional values to slip through your fingers?

It all starts with you. “Be the change you wish to see in the world”, Gandhi.