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'''Tolerance''' refers to the attitude and practice of accepting views that differ from one's own. It is often used in the context of allowing those with minority opinions to express their views, even if they go against the accepted standards established by the majority.

'''Tolerance''' has two contrasting meanings in U.S. politics.

 

 

As a value which supports our [[First Amendment]] rights of freedom of religion, freedom of press and freedom of speech, the civic virtue of tolerance requires us to grant to others the same right we claim for ourselves to hold and espouse unique or minority views which may be obnoxious to others. "I may not believe in what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."

 

This sharply contrasts with the idea that we must respect, accept or agree with views we despise. For example, an employee of a company should not be required to attend a [[sensitivity training]] session and declare in front of other employees that he has no objections to [[homosexuality]].

 

The idea that "tolerance" implies accepting views that differ from one's own is anathema to U.S. tradition and is often used in the context of forbidding those with traditional religious views to express their disapproval of minority opinions. It turns the concept of tolerance on its head: it is [[intolerance]] in the name of tolerance!

One of the definitions of tolerance is "The capacity for or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others."

One of the definitions of tolerance is "The capacity for or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others."