Consider the word respect. Respect conjures an acceptance of ideas and concepts, of allowing each to share an idea. Likewise, respect entails constructive criticism, even going so far as to (gasp!) say that another’s idea may be wrong. Tolerating respect does not change the veracity of the idea; it merely puts forth another’s opinion of it.
On the other side, we have toleration, which is not, as often and mistakenly believed, a synonym of respect. Toleration means not accepting another’s idea or beliefs. Toleration means looking at the worth of the idea, not personal character.
Toleration is to subconsciously ignore or refuse to acknowledge the possibility that another’s idea might be right and that your own might be wrong. Toleration in America says that a person is out of line for making a “politically incorrect” statement while any opinion put forth by the societal gods is an instant standard of truth and virtue. Toleration in America appears to have become intoleration, the willful and deliberate action of refusing to accept that another’s ideas, as wild, radical, and unpopular as they may be, have the distinct possibility of being a bearer of truth. Truth exists independent of any attempts to wish and legislate it away.
I write this, acting not as a student, nor as a member of any religious or social group, nor even as an American citizen. Instead I write as a citizen of the world and a member of the human family. I dedicate my remarks to the promotion of respect-respect of another’s ideas regardless of my lack of personal agreement on this, or any other concept or theory that may be put forth for consideration.
The remarks made by Cardinal Francis Arinze this previous May illustrate a social problem within the world’s social structure. I will not attempt to defend or attack his statements, as there have been a virtual flood of e-mails, letters, phone calls, verbal accusations and apologies for his remarks. Instead, I share my thoughts on the underlying problem: a society that has become a tolerant society instead of a respectful society.
In respecting another’s idea, one simply reaffirms that, no matter how bizarre or radical it may be, it has merit and, more importantly, that the individual worth of the person who promulgated this idea will not change regardless of the sincerity of the idea. To respect is to state what one thinks about a certain concept or idea while simultaneously accepting the human condition of fallacy inherent in all things. While I may believe with my soul in a certain idea, I understand that in all things I am imperfect and that my understanding is imperfect. With that comes the understanding that another will have a better grasp on a particular concept or idea. Likewise, that person will also have an imperfect concept or two, and I will disagree with them. Respectfully, I may state this in any one of a million forms of communication that we have developed. However, also respectfully, I will also accept that there may be truth in the very statements that I disagree with. If you accept that I might be right, and I accept that you might be right, and we respect each other, we can engage in friendly discussion of the merits of our cases. I may be persuaded to your cause. Or perhaps you to mine. Or maybe neither will happen and we will form a third opinion. Or none of the above. Regardless of the outcome, respect and acceptance will still remain within our relationship.
And so, my voice is raised to state my opinion to Georgetown students, faculty, administration, and whomever else may care to listen to this. Sometime in your life, Commencement 2003 will happen again. There will be another Cardinal Arinze who will make some statement that will cause offense. Respectfully pause and consider their statement. Perhaps there is some truth in it. Perhaps not. But whatever course you may choose to take or perhaps none at all, perhaps you need to learn to respect his or her opinion for what it is, right or wrong.
Adam Caudle is a sophomore in the College. He will listen to your ideas and respectfully respond.
