SERVING THE ON-LINE RPI COMMUNITY SINCE 1994
SEARCH ARCHIVES
Current Issue: Volume 130, Number 1 July 14, 2009
Ed/Op


Tolerance unites the world

Posted 05-04-2009 at 12:20AM

Asafoakye Nyantakyi
Staff Columnist

As the school year winds down, one of the last issues that I want to talk about is tolerance. In the dawn of the election of our first African-American president, it is evident that people are making strides in appreciation and toleration of one another. As a world composed of many people with different cultures, religions, ethnicities, opinions, voices, tastes, styles, colors, interests, attitudes, shapes, sizes, etc., it is probably extremely difficult to get along with everyone. If you paid attention in history class, time and time again major conflicts ignite because of the differences in opinions that naturally exist in our world. However, I think that these differences were not meant to divide us, but to show us that the human ability for love, compassion, courage, and support can overcome our greatest obstacles. It may sound corny, but it holds some bearing. In today’s times, we are expressing the individuality of the people who have strived in the recent years. Women taking the hot seat in politics, homosexuality becoming more accepted, and the acknowledgment of nonbelievers in this country are all signs that tolerance is a powerful asset for humans.

I may not understand why people find it simple to hate others; however, I do understand that two wrongs benefit no one. The wrongs that happen in this world are unimaginable to the best of us.

Sometimes things happen that are out of our control, forcing us to look to others for help. Making an effort to be kind to others regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what they believe in is the light that sometimes escapes us. At times we may get so wrapped up in the heat of the moment that we forget things that truly matter. Religious wars have been going on for centuries with no end in sight. Slavery has ended; however, the ripple effects of it are still evident. Hate crimes against gays and lesbians are still an unfortunate reality in today’s world, but more of these people are open and proud. Sometimes, the differences between the genders can put people at odds.

When history is examined, the timeline of a developing people is brought into the light. It is great to see that people have progressed and have transcended, pushing to thwart hatred and conflict. Although there is still a ways to travel, challenges to overcome and hate to conquer, there is strength in numbers. Our current political climate shows that when the masses speak our influence is unrivaled.

So, what does it mean to be tolerant? My dictionary defines tolerance as having a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one’s own; freedom from bigotry. As Rensselaer students, it will not be uncommon for one to venture into other countries, intern for major companies, and explore the other things that the world has to offer. It is almost a guarantee that we may meet people whose views are not in line with our own. The ability to be tolerant can prove to be a uniting factor in the face of conflicting views.



Posted 05-04-2009 at 12:20AM
Copyright 2000-2006 The Polytechnic
Comments, questions? E-mail the Webmaster. Site design by Jason Golieb.