Recently, while I was giving my daughter a bath, we found ourselves discussing the animated classic, Disney’s Robin Hood. She expressed her enjoyment of the film but was puzzled by the ending, where the main characters kiss and decide to marry.
“Do you think you might want to marry someone one day?” I asked.
“I might want to marry a girl,” she replied.
“Of course, you can do that,” I said enthusiastically. “People can marry whoever they love, whether it’s a boy or a girl.”
At that moment, I realized how children lack the biases that adults often carry. They don’t perceive one group as superior to another and don’t inherently oppose the rights of different individuals. My daughter has never mentioned the same-sex couple in Finding Dory or shown any discomfort regarding the characters in Frozen. Instead, her only fixation has been on that catchy song from the latter film.
As children mature, any prejudices they develop often stem from the environment we create. They absorb our behaviors, beliefs, and even the language we use. This brings me to the term “tolerance,” which, despite seeming harmless, carries with it a heavy burden of negativity. To tolerate something suggests a hierarchy, implying that one must endure something undesirable or uncomfortable. In discussions about LGBT individuals or diverse ethnic backgrounds, the term “tolerance” inherently carries a negative connotation.
Instead of teaching our kids to simply tolerate differences, we should encourage them to embrace and celebrate diversity. The concept of acceptance is far more empowering. It’s not merely about being okay with someone else’s identity; it’s about recognizing and valuing the richness that diversity brings to our lives.
While using “tolerance” might not be outright hate speech, the subtle implications can be more damaging. It allows individuals who harbor discriminatory thoughts to cloak their biases in a veneer of inclusiveness. Language is a powerful tool, and when misused, it can undermine both conversations and communities. Our words should match our actions; otherwise, we risk sending mixed signals to our children.
During my conversation with my daughter, I aimed to preserve her innocent perspective. I wanted her to understand that acceptance is crucial. I am teaching her to embrace the entirety of humanity, irrespective of differences.
In a world where some may not extend that same acceptance, it is essential to instill in our children the values of love and understanding. For more information on the journey of parenthood and insemination, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy.
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Summary:
This article emphasizes the importance of teaching acceptance over tolerance to children, highlighting how language influences perceptions of diversity. It urges parents to foster a culture of understanding and love, rather than merely enduring differences.