I am not passively tolerant
I am not passively tolerant.
I am actively tolerant.
When a person of colour shares their experience of bullying, I empathise. When a trans woman talks of dysphoria, I try to understand. When a Muslim mentions the practical difficulties of Ramadan in the long days of British summer, I listen. When a friend tells me they vote for a party I dislike, I bite my tongue; my judgement will not change their mind. When a person with disabilities shares the pain they normally hide, I gain insight into their daily life. I have learned so much about people just by shutting up and listening. Above all else, I have learned that truly listening is the first step towards frank discussion, understanding, and open debate.
I do talk as well, because my thoughts, ideas and feelings are as valid as anyone else's. But I try to explain not preach, and I try to speak with compassion not judgement. I speak because highlighting intolerance, addressing misconceptions, and discussing fears are vital to challenging prejudice. I am quite sure I make mistakes, but I try to listen when I do, so that I can learn from them.
David Cameron is right that passive tolerance allows extremism to grow, but only because passive tolerance allows active intolerance free rein. When people hear the vocal minority shouting hatred, the passively tolerant majority all too often stay silent. It's easy to shy away from being labelled politically correct, but it's a false allegation. We need to speak up. Not to presume to speak for those targeted by hatred, but to stand alongside them, to add our voices to theirs. To show them that we listen, that we're trying to understand, and that they are not alone. To tell those who show intolerance and prejudice that we're not tacitly agreeing with them, that we are not ignoring the issues, that the people they are targeting are worth listening to.
I am not passively tolerant. I am actively tolerant.
Will you join me?