Unfortunately, our world is full of cruelty and violence. The world lacks kindness, humanity, tolerance and respect for each other. Some degree of tolerance is necessary in any civilized society. Tolerance means to tolerate or put up with differences. It means showing respect for the race, religion, age, gender, opinions, and ideologies of other people or groups. Tolerance means different things to different people. It is when something is disagreeable that tolerance is expected, and in more politically correct cultures, demanded. Tolerance can be shown in many ways. A person might fully disagree with others on any issue from religion to same sex marriage, while at the same time respecting those with different opinions and treating them with dignity and respect. Disagreement alone does not equal intolerance. One problem is the fact that tolerance is sometimes one-sided. Those who disagree with a particular issue must respect the opinions of those who advocate it, but some advocates feel justified in labeling those who disagree with hateful terms, and vice versa. People on both sides of an issue must be tolerant of each other, in order for tolerance to be effective.



















