We shouldn't be expected to accept all beliefs

In response to an Oct. 16 mail call:

By: Cole Holmes

Posted: 10/17/06

It has become apparent that, for many Aggies, the words acceptance and tolerance have become clouded in both their definition and proper usage. Holding that everyone and their ideals need to be tolerated is completely different from believing that the same ideals should be accepted. According to dictionary.com, tolerance is, "a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own," while acceptance is, "the act of assenting or believing." As can be seen here, tolerance is necessary because it travels hand in hand with a society that is founded on freedom of choice. Acceptance, however, is not. To claim, "everyone needs to be accepting," is equivalent to saying, "everyone should believe in the beliefs of everyone else." While all Aggies and Americans should be tolerant of one another, by no means should we be expected to accept everyone and their ideals. To assent without question is purely un-American.

Cole Holmes
Class of 2010