To Tolerate or Not to Tolerate (a reprint of something I wrote a few years ago, updated)

Tolerance. "Leeway for variation from a standard."
Tolerate. "To put up with; endure or countenance"

When I think of these meanings (they are not the only ones)
for the word tolerate I find myself being annoyed.

Right now, someone, somewhere is apt to be tolerating
someone else. Initially, it sounds positive:
"an atmosphere of tolerance" or, "a disposition toward
allowing beliefs and/or behaviors of others when these
differ from one's own." I've come to think nothing could
be further from the truth.

Oh sure, there's a time and place for tolerance.
One might tolerate a humid summer night or a bad movie but in general,
when speaking about human interaction…

I do not think tolerance should be tolerated.

Pick someone at random and place them in a position
of being tolerated. Now tell them how lucky they are to be tolerated!
Did they thank you for this kindness you're shown them?

Tolerable. "Able to be tolerated; endurable."
Who wouldn't want people to have to endure them?

There are many groups of people targeted for this disguised practice of prejudice
and oppression.  You may very well belong to such a group. Maybe you're in
such a group and you don't know it. Or perhaps your membership in the
"to be tolerated club" is obvious.

As long as the differences between people are emphasized, the similarities
will be overlooked.  And what a shame that is when you consider that the similarities
outnumber the differences.

This charade of being accepting and open-minded should be exposed.
It is too easy to hide behind this socially acceptable mask. When people
distinguish themselves from others to the degree of having to
"tolerate" the other person,  they are building walls, not bridges.

This practice is only a small step away from bigotry, discrimination
and chauvinism (to name a few negative outcomes).

There are many examples of tolerance around.
Take a moment to recognize this hidden social malady for what it really is,
a polite way to discriminate.

Stop the hate... Don't Tolerate.

I found the above picture on the internet. I added my comments, of course.
It's interesting to me that the message here is meant to be somehow positive.
I don't see it. It looks like it was designed to promote the toleration of different religious or other groups of lucky toleratees. (uh, that's not a real word).
But to me, it's ridiculous and soooooo NOT THE PRACTICE of any religion
I know of at all. Religions are the bastion of intolerance and discrimination.