Tolerance

Definition: a fair and objective look at people, things, and ideas different to one’s own.

Tolerance goes hand in hand with equality and respect. When people are willing to look past any preconceived notions they have, they realize that regardless of who someone is, they are still a person that deserves respect.

• Nelson Mandela has been a fighter for tolerance and against apartheid. The South African government segregated the black majority and treated them very poorly. Nelson Mandela was put in jail for twenty-seven years and even while he was in jail, he continued to fight for the freedom of his people.
• Scout Finch is the narrator for a great book called To Kill a Mockingbird. She goes through a journey discovering what tolerance truly means. She sees the evils of intolerance throughout Tom Robinson’s trial and uses that lesson at the end of the book by letting “Boo” Radley be after he saves her from the town drunk.

Many instances of intolerance come from those who choose not to see that just because you don’t agree with somebody, doesn’t mean you can’t respect them either. Respect is something a hero gives everyone, despite their feelings towards them.

Why would tolerance be a necessary characteristic for a young hero?

What are some ways that you could you be tolerant to others?