The document discusses the limitations of the word "tolerance" in the context of Jason Collins becoming the first active gay player in a major American sport. While Collins' announcement was met with support, coverage often used the word "tolerance" which implies merely allowing or enduring something different rather than full acceptance. The document examines dictionary definitions of tolerance and argues it is not an ideal goal, as people tolerate negatives like heat or broccoli rather than positives. It questions whether tolerance should really be the aspiration in regards to diversity and differing identities or opinions.

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2. NBA's first gay player and the trouble with the word 'tolerance'NBA's first gay player and the trouble with the word 'tolerance'
“Tolerance” was a buzzword after professional basketball player Jason
Collins wrote a recent story in Sports Illustrated announcing that he is gay.
Collins, who became the first current male athlete in a major American
team sport to publicly reveal he is gay, wrote of his decision to discuss his
sexual orientation, saying, “I want to do the right thing and not hide
anymore. I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding.”
The response in the sports world was generally supportive. Even Los
Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who was fined $100,000 last year for
using a gay slur during a basketball game, praised Collins’ decision to go public about his private
life.Much of the coverage of Collins has included the word “tolerance.”
Google “Jason Collins and tolerance.” Even after filtering out Collins’ own use of the word, the match
comes up in story after story, including in The News & Observer.
Look up tolerance in the dictionary. One of the definitions is “the act of allowing something,” Another
describes “indulgence.”

3. NBA's first gay player and the trouble with the word 'tolerance'NBA's first gay player and the trouble with the word 'tolerance'
Other definitions: a “fair, objective and permissive’ attitude toward practices and opinions that differ from
one’s own,” and “allowing freedom of behavior: allowing or enjoying the freedom to behave in ways
others might consider unacceptable, particularly in sexual matters.”
Something to aspire to?
Even the most inclusive definition contains the notion of one group giving another permission to be
different.
So, is tolerance a good thing to aspire to?
We “tolerate” heat and cold, broccoli, a sore knee.
Most of us probably don’t “tolerate” a warm breeze, a baby’s smile or a pay raise.
Other definitions: a “fair, objective and permissive’ attitude toward practices and opinions that differ from
one’s own,” and “allowing freedom of behavior: allowing or enjoying the freedom to behave in ways
others might consider unacceptable, particularly in sexual matters.”

4. Something to aspire to?Something to aspire to?
Even the most inclusive definition contains the notion of one group giving another
permission to be different.
So, is tolerance a good thing to aspire to?
We “tolerate” heat and cold, broccoli, a sore knee.
Most of us probably don’t “tolerate” a warm breeze, a baby’s smile or a pay raise.
What is your take on thisWhat is your take on this
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Article by Steve Ruinsky

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