Originally posted by prophetsteve
Tolerance isn't about not challenging or questioning. Tolerance is saying "I don't agree with you... but thats okay" as opposed to Intolerance which says "I don't agree with you... and since you don't agree with me you obviously are an stupid idiot, a munchkin, and have no idea what is good anyway".
You can have a lively debate with someone, exchanging viewpoints, engaging in debates, and even questioning someones beliefs in a tolerant fashion.
I wonder how much of political correctness of todays age has twisted the meaning to tolerance.
IMHO, I would dare say quite a bit.
PC has changed the idea of tolerance to the point where if even the slightest pretense of a slant brings down the almighty wrath of some fringe group. You can't avoid anyone within the definition of your own tolerance; if you do, then the PC crowd automatically says "Well, you're intolerant."
In a way, using your above definition, tolerance may have been warped into intolerance....
"I didn't understand a single word you said, but I'll fight to the death for your right to confuse me."
Hawkeye Pierce