Tolerance is Not Acceptance

by Kalliope Bessler

Tolerance is a concept that is taught widely in classrooms, universities, workplaces, and shared among the general population. Tolerance between all people and of all people is widely understood to be a tangible goal to work toward for a safer, more harmonious society. However, it is crucial to distinguish between tolerance and acceptance.

Tolerance is “the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.” Tolerance is passively putting up with the existence of someone or something that you may not condone but will allow for its existence in its own space. It is the bare minimum. 

So, what is the issue with asking for and endorsing tolerance? 

 The question above is complicated. Tolerance is discussed most often in reference to those who are different from oneself, and those who hold marginalized identities are likely to be the targets of intolerance. Tolerance can be a stepping-stone to acceptance, but it rarely is. 

The issue with asking for and endorsing tolerance is that tolerance is the bare minimum. Often, marginalized people are pushed further to the margins as a result of tolerance. Numerous people claim to be tolerant of a group that is different from themselves but, they may still harbor hatefulness toward that group or complain if people of that group are too visible in their life or community. 

Sometimes, tolerance is all that we can ask for when it comes to people who are hateful or harmful. Not every person is willing to move toward radical acceptance of all of those who are different from them. But we must dismantle the established conventions and systems that perpetuate hatefulness and marginalization. Additionally, acceptance of all people, no matter their abilities, sexuality, gender identity, race, ethnicity, or religious identity, should not just be encouraged but demanded. Tolerance is a start, but if we want to live in a truly harmonious world, acceptance of every person is necessary. We must teach and demand acceptance of each other to make real progress.