Tolerance

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We use the word tolerance to describe something inherently undesirable. For example we can say that we tolerate too much salt in our food, or getting blood drawn. We shouldn't use the word to describe social acceptance among different groups. If we say that we “tolerate” homosexuality, or we “tolerate” immigrants, we are inherently saying that while we can allow them to exist without intervention, they represent something bad, unliked and unwanted.

Specifically in relation to homophobia, Dorothy Riddle developed a unidimensional interval scale known as the Riddle Scale in 1973 in order to measure exactly how homophobic a person or certain actions can be. The scale itself is split up into 8 categories: 1. Repulsion: Queer identity is seen as a crime against nature. Queer people are considered sick, crazy, immoral, sinful, wicked, etc. Anything is justified to change them: incarceration, hospitalization, conversion therapy, etc. 2. Pity: This represents heterosexual chauvinism. Heterosexuality is considered more natural and is certainly the most pushed sexual identity in our society . It is believed that any possibility of becoming straight should be reinforced, and those who seem to be ‘born that way’ should be pitied as less fortunate. 3. Tolerance: Queerness is viewed as a phase of adolescent development that many people go through and most people grow out of. Thus, queer people are deemed less mature than heterosexual people and should be treated with the same level of protectiveness and indulgence one uses with children who are still maturing. It is believed that queer people should not be given positions of authority because they are still working through their adolescent behavior. 4. Acceptance: This implies that there is something to accept; the existing climate of discrimination is ignored. Characterized by statements like, “you’re not queer to me, you’re a person!”; “what you do in bed is your own business.”; “that’s fine with me as long as you don’t flaunt it!” 5. Support: People at this level may be uncomfortable themselves, but they are aware of the anti-queer or queer-antagonistic climate we are in and work to safeguard the rights of queer people. 6. Admiration: It is acknowledged that being queer/trans in our society takes strength. People at this level are willing to truly examine their homophobic attitudes, values, and behaviors. 7. Appreciation: The diversity of people is considered valuable and queer people are seen as a valid part of that diversity. People on this level are willing to combat homophobia in themselves and others. 8. Nurturance: Queer people are indispensable in our society. People on this level view queer people with genuine affection and delight, and are willing to be their allies and advocates.

As we can see, tolerance is very low on this scale. We should push to move past tolerance and learn to accept, support, and so on so that we can be proper allies. We want to get to a point where we are doing more than “allowing” to exist, and being positive and embracing all sexualities.


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