At what point does supporting/tolerating a way of life become advocating or endorsing that way of life

Question

In other words, how do we make the distinction between teaching children that a way of life is acceptable vs trying to teach children how they fit into that life style or why they should become members of that lifestyle?

Is this a distinction worth making?

Answer 1

My mom was marxist. She taught me what she thinks it was ok, I can't blame her for that. There's always a a point when persons start to question what authority figures says you, and that becomes you an adult. I think the best is to teach at the boys to feel them free about question the ideas of those figures and do research for themselves.

Answer 2

It's kind of like if you're not with me, you must be against me.  Supporting is tolerating; tolerating is supporting.  Regarding religion for example when my kids were little, I never took them to church, I never brought the subject up, but when they asked - I told them others have the freedom to practice religion if that's what they choose to do and when older - it'll be their choice too.  What I resented, was if any other 'group' tried to force their beliefs on me or mine because I expect the same respect in return for not practicing religion or not being homosexual or not supporting Obama - etc., etc., etc.  I hate labels and cringe when others proudly identify themselves as such because as soon as those words leave their mouths, I find myself making judgments based on expected stereotypical behaviors.

I refuse to be squeezed into someone else's little pigeonhole albeit an ongoing, never-ending battle.

Answer 3

I had a problem with this from a popular troll on here. I am tolerant of homosexuality, but I do not agree with it. Them being g*y isn't any worst sin than me judging them. So I try to refrain from doing it. Why am I called a homophobe for not agreeing with it? My own cousin is a L*****n, but I love her to death! No matter what her sexuality is, she is my family and I will always love her.

Answer 4

Yes, it's a distinction worth making.

I'm wondering right now how I'm going to approach religion with my daughter. I'm an atheist (an agnostic on some days) and I will need to strike a balance. I don't plan on teaching her any religious dogma, but I will need to let her know that we are in the minority in the world; that most people believe in some sort of god-thing and worship it. I will need to teach her about the positives of religion (the people who actually love their neighbors and don't judge others) so she doesn't view it as a negative concept and develops tolerance; on the flip side, I need to make sure she understands my own objections.

I have a few years before I need to worry about this, but it does keep me awake some nights.

Answer 5

Seems like you're over thinking this too much.  

How do you tell your child that it's ok for his brother to like broccoli even though he doesn't?  People are different that's all.  Wouldn't life be boring if we were all the same?

How about the classic....Well would you jump off a bridge just because your friends are?????

Or....mind your own business....or my house my rules......