Some Thoughts On Tolerance That Go Beyond Race…

George Floyd’s death shouldn’t divide us. It’s a wake up call to rally around the principles that should unite us.

Anger is all around us now.

Anger at the unspeakable death of George Floyd, anger at a president who doesn’t “get” the powder keg this county is sitting on, anger at the opportunists who exploit our pain. I read my social media feeds and see outrage from people who want a better world and are incensed at those they blame for making the world as shitty as it is now.

But in these times, I think we should be gentle with each other. In these times, we need to remember that we’re all Americans riding the same waves, even if we’re in different boats. As hard as it is, I think we need to spread love, even when others are spreading hate.

I’m compelled to say this because I’ve recently gotten a glimpse of what it’s like to be seen as the “other,” and it’s been a rude awakening. I‘ve seen what it’s like to come from a place of good intentions and speak my “truth,” only to be verbally assaulted and insulted by other well-intentioned people. People who consider themselves tolerant and accepting of diversity, but whose idea of tolerance is limited to those who agree with what they believe is “right.”

A few of these well-meaning people who want to make the world a better place have become surprisingly intolerant — even abusive — in their language and…