VOL. V, NO. 10
MARCH 6, 1964
Why Tolerance?
By Mr. Albert Lemons
Of all the ideas we contend with as we struggle for maturity, the idea of tolerance gleams too bright in importance to be passed by without some deeper consideration.
Some of the great thinkers of our time tell us that in order to enjoy emotional stability, happiness, and the success that usually accompanies this combination, we must learn to adjust satisfactorily to the world in which we live.
Recently we passed through, successfully as usual, a period of five days designated as Brotherhood Week. Upon its completion most of us patted ourselves confidently on the head, convinced that we were fortunate in not being a party to any of the hate and prejudice that we hear about or read about in the news. Prejudice exists in many forms other than that found in the racial issue we are all familiar with. Many human beings jump at the chance to criticize those who are different from themselves in any small way, those who look different, act differently, think differently. It seems a shame that so much energy should be expended in tearing down someone else rather than improving ourselves and learning from these differences. These "different" people around you view you from a similar perspective. Who's right?
Surrounding "Differences"
One of the greatest steps taken by young people as they attempt to bridge that difficult gap between adolescence and maturity is the attempt to understand and accept the "differences" which surround them. Some people never make it. Age is not the important criteria here. Self honesty may be.
A high school student finds these differences even in his present sheltered existence. How many times have you found yourself looking "down your nose" at someone next to you in class or "that teacher" who is completely impossible to your way of thinking, or most impossible of all, your parents, who are obviously from some other planet and were without doubt born at the age of 21, thereby never having passed through this age called youth.
Of all the ideas we contend with as we struggle for maturity, the idea of tolerance gleams too bright in importance to be passed by without some deeper consideration.
Some of the great thinkers of our time tell us that in order to enjoy emotional stability, happiness, and the success that usually accompanies this combination, we must learn to adjust satisfactorily to the world in which we live.
Recently we passed through, successfully as usual, a period of five days designated as Brotherhood Week. Upon its completion most of us patted ourselves confidently on the head, convinced that we were fortunate in not being a party to any of the hate and prejudice that we hear about or read about in the news. Prejudice exists in many forms other than that found in the racial issue we are all familiar with. Many human beings jump at the chance to criticize those who are different from themselves in any small way, those who look different, act differently, think differently. It seems a shame that so much energy should be expended in tearing down someone else rather than improving ourselves and learning from these differences. These "different" people around you view you from a similar perspective. Who's right?
Surrounding "Differences"
One of the greatest steps taken by young people as they attempt to bridge that difficult gap between adolescence and maturity is the attempt to understand and accept the "differences" which surround them. Some people never make it. Age is not the important criteria here. Self honesty may be.
A high school student finds these differences even in his present sheltered existence. How many times have you found yourself looking "down your nose" at someone next to you in class or "that teacher" who is completely impossible to your way of thinking, or most impossible of all, your parents, who are obviously from some other planet and were without doubt born at the age of 21, thereby never having passed through this age called youth.
This old world doesn't hand anyone the benefits of understanding and tolerance. They are there for those who are sharp enough to seek them out, and for the rest, well, they probably won't make it anyhow.
Hate and prejudice even in mild form are such simple and easy defenses to jump behind.
It's a wonder more people don't become bored with them at an earlier age.
Uncovering Faults
For those of you who find pleasure in uncovering the faults of the people around you, be careful. If you want to dig deep enough, you will always find faults. If you start eliminating the people around you as you discover their faults, you will probably soon find yourself standing alone ‑surrounded of course by the companionship of your own perfection. "Lots a Luck."
The word prejudice means to pre‑judge or form an opinion without having gathered any evidence. Think about it. How many times are you "duped" into accepting the opinion of others without looking into the situation yourself? Next time you find yourself carried along on some "anti" bandwagon, ask yourself if you're there because you want to be or because you're too weak or too lazy to form an opinion of your own. Do yourself a favor and give the guy next to you a break. See what happens.
Most of you have heard the statement many times, "What is the younger generation coming to?" Well? What is it coming to? What kind of world are you going to create for others to live in? You decide.
(Mr. Lemons was invited to express his opinions. Other teachers are invited to do the same on this page.)
Hate and prejudice even in mild form are such simple and easy defenses to jump behind.
It's a wonder more people don't become bored with them at an earlier age.
Uncovering Faults
For those of you who find pleasure in uncovering the faults of the people around you, be careful. If you want to dig deep enough, you will always find faults. If you start eliminating the people around you as you discover their faults, you will probably soon find yourself standing alone ‑surrounded of course by the companionship of your own perfection. "Lots a Luck."
The word prejudice means to pre‑judge or form an opinion without having gathered any evidence. Think about it. How many times are you "duped" into accepting the opinion of others without looking into the situation yourself? Next time you find yourself carried along on some "anti" bandwagon, ask yourself if you're there because you want to be or because you're too weak or too lazy to form an opinion of your own. Do yourself a favor and give the guy next to you a break. See what happens.
Most of you have heard the statement many times, "What is the younger generation coming to?" Well? What is it coming to? What kind of world are you going to create for others to live in? You decide.
(Mr. Lemons was invited to express his opinions. Other teachers are invited to do the same on this page.)