In a recent anecdote from my life, I found myself engaged in a conversation with my son while bathing him. We discussed Disney’s animated classic, Robin Hood. He expressed his enjoyment of the film, but not of the ending, where the protagonists kiss and marry each other.
“Ya know, you might want to get married someday…” I suggested.
“I might want to marry a boy,” he replied.
“That’s perfectly fine. Boys can marry boys, and girls can marry girls,” I reassured him. “What matters is that you marry someone you love.”
I paused there, as he then expressed a desire to marry not just his mother but also several of his friends from kindergarten. This exchange illustrated a profound truth: children are largely free from the biases that often plague adults. They do not inherently view one group of people as superior to another nor do they harbor a desire to restrict anyone’s rights or freedoms. My son doesn’t show any concern for the representation of diverse relationships in films like Finding Dory, nor does he seem affected by any perceived deviations in characters like Elsa from Frozen.
Prejudice, when it appears in children, is learned behavior. They absorb our actions, beliefs, and even the language we use. This brings me to a word that warrants scrutiny: “tolerance.” While it may seem innocuous, it carries an undercurrent of negativity. To tolerate implies a hierarchy; it suggests that one is merely enduring something uncomfortable or distasteful. In discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals, ethnic minorities, or any form of diversity, the term “tolerance” can be laden with condescension.
Instead of teaching our children to tolerate differences, we should guide them toward acceptance. Diversity should not be framed as a burden that one must bear; rather, it should be an aspect of humanity to be cherished and celebrated.
Using terms like “tolerance” instead of “acceptance” might not constitute hate speech, yet it can be more insidious. It camouflages prejudice, allowing it to masquerade as a form of inclusion, while providing cover for those who may wish to discriminate without direct confrontation. This insidious nature can poison conversations, leading to mixed messages for our children.
During my dialogue with my son, I felt a strong urge to protect and preserve his innate acceptance of others. I chose my words carefully, recognizing their potential long-term impact. I aim to teach my sons that it isn’t enough to simply be “fine” with those who are different; we must embrace the fullness of humanity without hesitation.
This commitment to acceptance is especially vital when faced with those who may not share the same views. For additional guidance on topics related to pregnancy and home insemination, you can check out this excellent resource on the IVF process.
For those interested in exploring home insemination, consider the At Home Insemination Kit for a comprehensive approach. They also provide an authoritative BabyMaker Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo for those looking to take that step.
In summary, as we raise the next generation, let’s prioritize the teaching of acceptance over mere tolerance. Our children will benefit from understanding and embracing the diverse tapestry of humanity around them.
Keyphrase: Acceptance over Tolerance
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]