Tolerance

We all have people in our lives we despise. You’re probably thinking of them right now.

There is nothing wrong with this.

We are human, and technology is enabling us to be more connected with larger social circles than ever before. It’s impossible to ask someone to love everyone.

However, it is important we are able to work and coexist with one another.

As I watch the recent political posturing unfold, I cannot help but wonder why politicians are so unable to work with people to whom they are dissimilar.

My theory is tolerance is often given too low a priority in favor of acceptance and appreciation.

Acceptance and appreciation are wonderful in their own right, but tolerance is enough.

I can guarantee you will drive yourself insane trying to appreciate someone whose beliefs contradict yours.

Until we recognize it’s acceptable to dislike people, we will not acknowledge the value of being able to work with those we dislike.

The prevailing trend of acceptance in our culture is by no means harmful or detrimental to society.

However, we should bear in mind that disagreements and arguments are a natural part of debate and discourse.

The problem on Capitol Hill is the same problem that arises constantly in groups, cultures and societies.

We are taught we should appreciate everyone as an individual, but when we come in contact with someone we cannot level with, we are unable to function in a team environment.

It would be wonderful if we could all sing Kumbayah while validating each others’ insecurities. But this utopian ideal will never come to fruition.

Nothing would be more pragmatic and progressive than two politicians coming together to say, “I hate you. This being said, can we get some work done?”

When two adults cannot work past their mutual hate because of some moral superiority complex, tolerance is a virtue often praised but rarely put to practice.

Take time out of your schedule this week to spend time with someone you dislike. You will be a better person for it.

­— johnfren@indiana.edu
Follow columnist John French on Twitter @John_M_French.