Chewie: In your quotes Dr King seems to be preaching love and understanding, born out of a desire for peace after centuries of hatred and racial oppression. And I'd have gladly stood with him in that pursuit. However, I don't think he is asking that 'black' and 'white' people
tolerate each other, rather that they dissolve the definitions in their minds that they use to segregate and alienate each other with, and unite in fellowship. That's not tolerance, that's brother/sisterhood.
I'd say that tolerance is coexistence with elements of the world which you do not like or agree with. Putting up with the unpleasant so to speak. Dr King did not put up with racial prejudice, he openly defied and opposed it. He did
not tolerate it, nor did he ask for his views to be tolerated. Rather, he suggested that his notions of peaceful fellowship be accepted by all. ACCEPTED, not TOLERATED. This difference in terminolgy seems only slight at first, but it fundamentally defines the way in which people approach conflict.
Bottom line is, Dude, I'm with ya!
I agree with you on the merits of your belief, we just differ in our definitions of tolerance. And by my definition, I think tolerance is a bad idea. It means you bottle up your discomfort, balling up your disgust. Tolerance is unhealthy man. You gotta be yourself, unabashedly. Don't put up with shit on your doorstep [img]smile.gif[/img] Conflict is NOT to be avoided at all costs, conflict makes the world go 'round.
[ 04-10-2004, 01:38 AM: Message edited by: The Hierophant ]