November 14, 2006
Tolerance
Two weeks ago, my family and I attended a candlelight vigil for victims of hate crimes. The vigil encompassed all oppressed groups who have endured hate because of difference. Creating change with love and tolerance for humanity is easier when it comes from the beginning–through our children. I hope to plant the seeds of respect and compassion in future generations starting with my own family.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reiterate how thankful we are for difference, and the gifts each individual can bring to this world through our gender, race, and religion. I smile when I think of all I have learned from others who are not like me.
The following link is about teaching children tolerance. It touches on the benefits of tolerance individually and as a society.
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/tolerance.html
kjamrozy said,
November 22, 2006 at 1:39 am
What a wonderful family activity. Tolerance is something more and more children need to learn. There is so much more violence today than at any other time I can remember. Lots of this violence is a direct result of intolereance of others.
I really liked the link you provided. There were some really interesting ideas and perspectives. Like you, I have learned so much from people who are not like me. I have always tried to keep an open mind and have tried to teach my daughter that as well. I grew up in a very small narrow minded town. If it was not for the wisdom of my parents, I would have missed out on so many wonderful experiences with others.
lvambrandrw said,
November 22, 2006 at 4:55 pm
I think that it is important to remember that not everyone is similar. I think now a days to many children are being taught that everyone is like them and there way of learning is the only way. I think a lot of the reasons our country has been experiencing so many school shootings is because of hate crimes.
I think that Thanksgiving is not just a time to remember our differences, but celebrate them and be thankful for our individuality.
love2fish said,
November 27, 2006 at 5:14 pm
Bringing up children in rural Indiana you realize the importance of teaching tolerance. They are not exposed to difference races, culture and religion daily compared to children growing up in a metropolitian community. Parents must make a special effort to explain differences with an attitude of acceptance and grace. On our recent trip to Minnesota, my daughter asked about women who cover their hair, and those that only show their eyes. She also commented about the clothes worn by different cultures and how different it made her feel. They are very aware of changes, but we must teach of both our similarities and differences – about how we all want to live in safety with liberties and privacy and prosperity and freedom.
cinnamonspider said,
November 28, 2006 at 10:37 pm
I don’t have any children yet, but I have always planned to teach them tolerance once I do have them. Being brought up in a small town myself, everyone wasn’t always so accepting of those who were different. I was often picked on in my younger days, but not nearly as badly as others. Every child should be taught tolerance.