The Intolerance of Tolerance...What?!!

Here’s the situation…

I attended a seminar on preventing bullying this morning presented by renowned author Michael Dorn.  He spoke of his personal trials in life and those intervening to enable him to become the man he is today.  After the presentation, he invited questions from the audience.  A man stood up and asked (paraphrase) “You speak of the ‘moral compass’ that allows people to intervene when observing someone being bullied.  I noticed there was no literature in the entry about ‘moral’ lifestyles, but only ‘immoral’ (gay) lifestyles.”  At this point all H broke loose.

Cat-calls were made to the gentleman from the audience and “boo’s” were heard in whispers.  The moderator quickly ended the forum.  I was unfortunately privy to overhearing the Director of a local youth-centered alliance group building relationships between the gay/straight community condemn the man for his opinion, calling him a “hater” in the house of God and questioning his faith.  This [Director] is a leader for gay/straight youth--the future leaders of our community.  I left the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church feeling upset and shaking my head in disgust.

We teach our children tolerance and acceptance of others and to celebrate diversity.  We cite the Constitution when enacting our freedom of speech, but defame those people who use the same freedom expressing opinions contrasting our own.  If we truly want to end bullying, we must model appropriate behaviors that demonstrate appropriate conflict-resolution to our children.  I did not agree with the gentleman’s opinion, but it was his perspective and his RIGHT to openly express his concerns in this venue. 

I applaud this man’s courage to stand and address his concerns.  Actually, I might even agree with him a little.  Religious groups are often subject to abuse and bullying.  There SHOULD have been more literature applicable to this subject.  The audience’s response to his question only proved this point.

Unfortunately, many “tolerant” people are only so when convenient or amongst like-minded people.  The true definition of tolerance is a bit more difficult. 

“Those who know the least, know the loudest.”