Is intolerance an issue?

I’d love to hear what you think of this:

What does tolerance mean to you? 

Does it mean to put up with, to make space or to accept differences?

Politically we’re in a harsh environment. It can feel unbearable. So what do we do in the times where we simply cannot tolerate the views or content we’re seeing and consuming?

If you read my blog, social justice and mental health are most likely themes that matter to you. Yet sometimes it seems there is little space for mistakes in our circles. We have to be perfect and get everything right.

We have little to no tolerance for error 💔

We demand that people act and be in certain ways. To the point that we cancel people.

There is also little room for discussions. To the point that social justice can almost become dogmatic, as if there is only “one truth.”

Cancel Culture is alive and well in this day and age. Celebrities, influencers, and politicians alike are all canceled and subsequently shamed for their actions. 

While most people who have been “canceled” definitely needed a reality check, endorsing shame never fundamentally solves the issue.

The issue with cancel culture is that it gives you no room to redeem yourself. No opportunity to learn and change. 

Something I learned from my time in Comoros is to become more tolerant. Meaning to allow more space and nuance in the view I may perceive.

I found myself saying things like “women are disempowered in Comoros.” Yet this statement is simplified, and dismisses the many ways women are empowered. This perception is created based on my values, culture and upbringing, and there are more perspectives to have.

I believe it is important to widen our capacity to be with what we disagree with. We can continue to fight for justice and equity, while also understanding the many layers.

How can we hold ourselves accountable while also embracing the inevitable part of our mistakes and hurt?

Send me a note if you wish to share your thoughts with me.

Thank you

💗

Nora