Tolerance

I am not a tolerant person. Really, after all is said and done, I am a very intolerant person. If there is something going on that I don't like, I will say something.

I say this because, living in a post-9/11 world as we do, a lot has been made of the word tolerance. We cannot hate the people who are come from different cultures than ours, we must tolerate them. I hate that word, personally. Tolerating is what you do with something unpleasant that you can't get rid of. Those who have a different cultural background that our own are not things to be tolerated, they are people to be respected.

Some people would say that they are very accepting, but to me, even this term seems wrong. Acceptance is what you do when you cannot do otherwise. This is the situation that you are stuck with, so you might as well accept it. Again, this term is problematic.

See, I LOVE talking to people from any culture. I love to learn about their beliefs, their customs, their clothing. It fascinates me. As a student at Carleton, I get to see people from many different countries, hear their languages, see how they celebrate their holidays. When I see a display set up to educate others on a religion, or holiday, or even a simple cultural practice, I try to take the time to go and see what they can teach me.

My reaction is never to shy away, and am often saddened if I cannot spare the few minutes to go and learn about another culture. More often than not I want to gravitate towards these people who are willing to teach me, and why? Because I love people from other places, I want them to teach me.

This is the beauty of a multicultural nation, there is so much we can learn from each other. Often I see a woman wearing a hijab, which are often made of some of the most beautiful material I have ever seen, and I want to compliment her on it, but I stop because I am not sure if there is a culturally appropriate way to pay that compliment. I still have a great deal to learn, clearly, but I am willing to do so.

So no, I am not a tolerant person. I am not an accepting person either. Perhaps the best word for what I am is welcoming.

Lisa