| Actually, I think you are making a mountain out of a terminological molehill. I accept homosexuality as a minority orientation. "Tolerance" is a tag to indicate less than full indifference between heterosexuality or homosexuality. For example, here is an issue we have not discussed: I accept that most homosexuals have a deeply rooted orientation that cannot be reliably changed, and therefore that the "sin" paradigm is not useful. However, I also accept the idea that there is a range of susceptibilities, and that, therefore, there may be "waverers" who could go either way. I think it preferable that they cultivate their heterosexual inclination, and that society reinforce the idea that that is the way to go. Thus, in the end, I prefer heterosexuality, and would act upon it insofar as I usefully could. Thus, there is a limit to acceptance. Now, in talking to the hypothetical bully boy, if I did not admit, say, that I would rather my son be heterosexual, I would have nothing to say to him that he would listen to. More than that, of course, I cannot help but to prefer that my son be heterosexual, even if I would accept gay if that were a fait accompli. Thus, tolerance and acceptance are not incompatible, unless you insist that acceptance suppress having a preference, and revealing or acting upon it in limited circumstances........ |
