Monday, December 19, 2011

Love Me. Hate Me. But Please Don't Tolerate Me.

Okay. I know this is a food blog. But we need to talk.

First, let me top off your glass of Merlot. Say "when".

Good. Now, here's the deal.

I lost some followers after my most recent blog posts.

But I find it hard to believe it was because they were offended by my holiday tips. Heck, if it was my left-of-decorum sense of humor that offended them, I'm sure they would've turned heel many blog posts ago.

No. I think it was because in these last couple of posts I alluded to the sports phenomenon called "Tebowing", and cited an oh-so-whimsical quote about Grace from the often left-of-decorum novelist Frederich Buechner, and then there was that Christmas carol penned and sung by Bruce Cockburn with a little help from Lou Reed and Roseanne Cash.

In other words, I dragged God into my blog.

Some folks appreciated it. Some folks were silent. But it appears that some folks were pissed. Why? As one e-mail expressed it, by reflecting on a highly successful quarterback, and quoting a well-respected novelist's musings on Grace, and posting a yuletide tune, I wasn't being, well, very "tolerant".

You've seen the bumper stickers. The ones that proclaim "tolerance" with the stylized letters representing different religious beliefs. I was behind a car sporting one such bumper sticker in the parking lot of Target just this past weekend. But the driver must've used up all of her tolerance at the previous store, cuz when a white Kia Rio with two missing hubcaps scooted into the parking place that she was obviously coveting, she rolled down her window and yelled something that vaguely sounded like "You muffin shucker!"

So much for, um, tolerance.

You see, I don't like the words "tolerance" or even its cousin, "tolerate".

Why do I dislike these seemingly pacifying words? Because tolerance and tolerate seem to infer that you are "putting up with something that you'd rather not have to".

In other words, you don't like something, so, to be a good sport or citizen, you have to just take a deep breath, suck it up, roll your eyes, and tolerate it.

Not me.

I have zero tolerance for "toleration". Or what I would call The Tolerance Principle.

Let me explain. I may like something or dislike something. If I do, I will let you know. And I may agree or disagree with you. But, again, I will let you know.

However, like or dislike, agree or disagree, if what you espouse is held in conviction, I can respect it. But you can bet your $3 bumper sticker I won't simply "tolerate" it.

The Tolerance Principle particularly raises it's ugly head during December when many folks shy away from expressing their deeply held beliefs lest they offend someone. So, whether it's a big wig corporation, the bubbly cashier at the local market, or the guy ensconced on the bar stool next to yours, many feel they have to resort to non-offending euphemisms like "Season's Greetings". (Of course, whenever I hear the words "Seasons Greetings" I immediately think of the salutation one would say to a particularly attractive jar of cumin or nutmeg).

But back to many people's penchant to not offend. Here's my take.

Ditch the euphemisms and wish me whatever is important to you. Christmas? Hannukah? Kwanzaa? Winter Solstice? Hey, I'll respect it. At least you hold onto a conviction.

For nearly a decade I lived in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood. Throughout the year, I was exposed to examples of that deeply-held tradition as my neighbors celebrated their festivals and faith.

But I tell you what,  I sure as heck didn't role my eyes and "tolerate" those overt religious displays that were so different from my own. Nope. Instead, I respected them. In fact, my neighbor and good friend Neil's love for his sacred tradition inspired me to fully embrace my own.

So...if someone's faith inspires them to do well by their neighbor, I'm not gonna tolerate it. I'm gonna celebrate it.

Okay, there you have it.

And now I'm gonna say it. Again.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Love it. Hate it. But for Christ's sake* please don't tolerate it.

Now...who's up for a little celebrating?

Warren

* (I don't mean to say this in a flippant way - He loved us too much to "tolerate" much of anything...)

61 comments:

  1. Amen! Well said, sir! Well, said! And Happy YuleLog-Time-Of-Year to you as well!:D

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  2. Thank you! These words echo my thoughts exactly. As the person above said, "Amen! Well said, well said..."

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  3. I'm totally with you. I'm not the most religious person but when people tell me Merry Christmas or God Bless You I just go with it because it is from their heart to mine.

    They mean well so I take it well!

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  4. Why "offended?" My friends thought it was laugh out loud funny. I posted cheesy holiday tips and I totally got the humor. The problem with the world today, Warren, is that too many people are sitting there worrying about what "offends" them. I agree on RESPECT. If we all started with the idea in our heads that we will respect each other regardless of what we believe, we would not need words like " tolerance." Just keep doing what you are doing!

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  5. Isn't it odd...it seems as if I'm to be tolerant of everybody and everything, but those who go around screaming 'TOLERANCE" are never tolerant towards me!! I've come to despise the word. Never fear Warren, I have a zero-tolerance policy.

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  6. @Hats off to Food. Thanks, Jaan! Hope all is well :-)

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  7. @Tiffany. Thanks for the Amen and for dropping by!

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  8. @Professor Vegetable. What a great attitude, Professor!

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  9. @Just for Cooking. Thanks for your kind words (and your recent kitchen tips!). You know you're always welcome around here. Take care!

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  10. @Karen. Then let's raise a glass to all of those who embrace a Zero Tolerance Policy. Cheers! :-D

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  11. “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”
    ― Dr. Seuss

    On the record, when my Hassidic Jewish Gyn told me he was praying for me when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt a great sense of gratitude. I wish he'd pick up the present and open it. But I do believe that God respects him as much as I do.

    So Merry Christmas and enjoy the comics.

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  12. AMEN!!! and no comment ... or maybe this ...
    Oh boy! After the comment(s) I'd made to your tips, I must have lost some followers as well ... the ones who think I'm probably not safe to be around, anyway.
    Merry Christmas to you and a salute to whatever you believe in. I personally believe in a having a great sense of humor and being able to laugh at myself.
    There, so much for 'no comment'.

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  13. @Emmy. The Dr. Suess quote is one of my favorites. And I hope you have a Merry Christmas as well!

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  14. @Ping. Hey, if you lost any followers over your comments on my blog...well...it's their loss! And as you are now well aware, your "non-comments" are welcome anytime! :-D

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  15. Good for you for not being afraid to mention God on your blog. Afterall, it IS your blog. It took me a while to decide whether or not to mention religion on my blog, but then I considered the fact that I am a person of faith. My religious faith is an integral part of my everyday life and that's just the way things are. I don't preach God, but I don't hide him either. I only have a handful of followers--I have assumed that the lack of growth was because of my recipes or my photography or my age or my writing--anything except the fact I don't hide my religion. You've given me something else to consider. No matter, though, I am not going to change. And as for me, I express gratitude every day when a meal comes together or a photograph works or I master a new concept. I think of those things as blessings from God. I pray my way through work (I'm a nurse) and sometimes I have had patients who ask me if I am a religious person. They visibly relax when I say yes. Sometimes I have been asked to pray with them or for them.

    Well, I have written a lot in my little supportive response on your blog. (I could have kept going for while, too.) Sorry about taking up so much space, but the bottom line is this...well done on your posts and phooey on the misguided individuals who left because they chose to be offended. And ditto on your remarks about tolerance. And Merry Christmas--saying it warms my heart.

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  16. God bless you friend! It's your blog and your space, do what you want with it. I support ya.

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  17. @Terri. Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. Merry Christmas!

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  18. @ T@Dine n Dash. I appreciate the support! Blessings to you as well. :-)

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  19. Merry Christmas!!!! Still here!

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  20. @Sherri. And I'm glad you are! Merry Christmas! :-)

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  21. Good heavens, Warren. People are just strange. I guess they have the right not to read your blog if it offends them. If they're that easily offended, they must live a hard and sad life. Life is too short to be upset by words - especially when they're not said in anger or spite.

    Anyway, you say whatever you want. I will always read, and appreciate, them. To quote Kenny Chesney, be who you are. (Maybe that will irritate non-country music-loving folks.)

    Merry Christmas, my friend. Will look forward to seeing you when I return from the Frozen North. :)

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  22. you never know what makes people leave. i just lost one subscriber on FB - i'm not gonna beat myself up over it. :)

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  23. This is the first time at your blog and it certainly is an interesting one. I loved this post.

    To be fair, I think many people do not really understand what tolerance is. I think, they see it as a good way to be. Look how fair someone is --- he is tolerating.

    Perhaps, the word, tolerate, should be removed from our vocabulary.

    Happy Holiday. Do you tolerate that greeting? :)

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  24. Once again, love it!

    I think there's a point when earnestly trying for "tolerance" puts a person in a place where they're no longer being authentic. I completely agree that experiencing someone else's beliefs and traditions can make your own beliefs more solid and meaningful. And there's nothing wrong with being authentic enough to embrace your own beliefs!

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  25. @Beth. Thanks, Beth. Yep, who knows what will offend/upset folk. Anyway, I try not to poke fun (except at myself). BTW, loved the "maybe that will irritate non-country music-loving folk" :-). See you soon!

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  26. @Sofie Dittmann/The German Foodie. Yep, and I rarely beat myself up over much of anything either. Oh wait, there was that varsity wrestling match against Boca Ciega in 11th grade. My opponent was down with the flu so it was a forfeit. But since I came all the way down there with the team, I insisted I wrestle, even if it was with myself. I lost. So yes, I have beaten myself up at least once before... :-)

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  27. @bookcasefoodie. First time? Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to drop by often - there's always room around this table. Oh...and I loved this: "Happy Holiday. Do you tolerate that greeting?" Y'know, I think you'll fit in just fine! :-D

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  28. @Sara. You're point about authenticity was spot on. Hadn't thought of it that way, so thanks for the early Christmas gift. :-)

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  29. We live in far too small a world now not to respect each other. I have more respect for people who are willing to stand by what they believe, even if it's not the same as what I believe. Good for you, and Merry Christmas right back at you!

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  30. @Jen at The Three Little Piglets. And an "amen" to that! Thanks for the Christmas wishes!

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  31. Oh, I soooooooooo agree. I am a Christian but I love my Jewish and non-believing friends. I do not tolerate them. Way to go!

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  32. I have to laugh that this is the first of all your posts that I am reading and without knowing any of the content on the rest of your blog I am inclined to subscribe!! I come from a long line of speak-your-mind, sarcastic, and loud people and I think I'm really going to enjoy reading what you have to say!!! btw- I didn't say "when" so keep the Merlot flowing!! (although I'd prefer a Cab if you have one!

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  33. @Baker Becky. Well I'm glad you stopped in! I try to post on a fairly regular basis so feel free to drop by often. BTW, I do have a bottle of Cab open. Say when. :-D

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  34. @Scarletti. May your attitude increase! Especially during these holiday times. Merry Christmas! :-D

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  35. Really love this post!! Props.

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  36. I love this post, and I loved your previous posts. I know many "non-tolerant" tolerant people and it seems to be a growing epidemic. Merry Christmas and I am happy to be still following along!

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  37. Awesome post! Those people with the bumper stickers are the least tolerant people I know. Well, they are all kinds of tolerant as long as you think exactly the same way they do. Which is really no thinking at all... But anywho, good for you for standing up, more people need to do the same. Merry Christmas!

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  38. @Anna. Thanks! (This means a lot coming from one who has some of the best food pics in blogdom, :-) )

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  39. @Sheri. And a Merry Christmas to you as well! Thanks for sticking with me, :-) Oh, and btw, I loved your recent Reflection. Here's hoping we all stay focused amid our busyness...

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  40. @Amanda. Y'know, I think a whole post could be written about bumper stickers. Glad you enjoyed the post and hope that your day today is more than merry!

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  41. Thanks for finding my blog and following me!! I love your writing! Can't wait to read more :)

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  42. @Kelsey. Thanks! Always glad to meet another fellow traveler who is determined to nibble their way thru life. :-) Please feel free to drop by anytime!

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  43. Warren, I think your posts are great! My motto is "If someone has a problem with me, that's their problem, not mine" I just stay happy and do my own thing!

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  44. Merry Christmas Warren. Nuff said huh ?

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  45. @Kooky Girl. And to you as well! Take care!

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  46. Warren,

    I'm a little late to this party. However, you mention two of my favorite topics: Food and God.

    So folks were offended at the mention of God? Interesting, that. I reckon I should knee-jerk some wonderful response filled with loving tenderness and open-minded compassion, but I simply do not have it to offer.

    For thousands of years folks have hated God, His Name, His Son, His Word. Big deal. It's not as if they know what they are ranting about anyways. If half those people came face-to-face with the God I worship, they would need to change their drawers.

    I regularly mention Jesus on my food blog. How can I not? Is my ability to cook any less than any other ability He has blessed us with? Nope. Cooking for me is a personal form of worship, and people know my faith right upfront. Jesus said we would be hated because of Him. We see it everyday in America, more and more.

    Whatever. It's not like I am too worried about atheists, liberals, and other God-haters. I mean, seriously, where were they when my God created the Heavens and the earth? Exactly.

    Go with what you know, Warren. Speak openly and freely about God, for when you do He speaks openly and freely about YOU to His Son and to the angels around His Throne. How can that be a bad thing? :)

    The Passionate Culinarian
    The Culinarian Guild @ For the Love of the Meal.net

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  47. Love it. I enjoy good writing and good thinking behind it. Keep it up

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  48. Hey Warren, This is the first time I've had a chance to sit down and read your blog. I really enjoy your writing style and will definitely be back for more. Hope you had a Merry Christmas indeed!

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  49. Hi Warren, Thanks for befriending me me here and taking an interest in my One Man's Meat blog. This is my first chance to take some time and look at what you are at. Count me in for zero tolerance. A weak minded approach to those who are different to us leads to an imbalance in the rights and responsibilities we all enjoy. If we were all to remember that the first thing we have is responsibility. Only then do we earn the rights. I did not think that I would be getting into this on a food blog. But it is close to my heart. Keep at it.
    Happy New Year,
    Conor

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  50. @The Passionate Culinarian. Hey, it's better late than never. Glad you dropped by! Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm committed to speak my mind. And if anyone ever asks again, I will just have to cite those immortal words of that great theologian, Popeye: "I yam what I yam." Happy New Year!

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  51. @anonymous. Thanks! Here's hoping I can keep it up (or at least a reasonable facsimile) for the new year. Thanks for dropping by!

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  52. @Conorbofin. Thanks for taking the time to add such thoughtful words. I'm not usually this deep in my blogs (I usually just try to have some fun via cooking) but sometimes one just has to vent. Happy New Year!

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  53. @dishing gourmet. So glad you had some time to look this blog over. I hope you will come back. Heck, there's always something cooking and there's always enough, lol. Happy New Year!

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  54. I like your style! Felt good getting that out there didn't it?

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  55. I love your posts, Chef Warren! Right On! I wish I had seen all of this earlier. Glad I found you now. Merry, belated Christmas! :D

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  56. @Deliciously Delilah. Glad you liked my style, :-). And yes, it was good getting it out there (but then again, I feel good whenever I take the garbage out, lol!)

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  57. @Frankie Harvey. Thanks!!! Glad I found you as well. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!

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  58. Hi Warren,

    LOVE the blog. I just ran across it on another one and I'll be back for more. Love the writing style and the say it like it is. I truly believe those that "Preach" about tolerance are the least likely to have it. I have yet to get to the food part of the blog but look forward to seeing it soon. Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

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  59. @Michelle. Thank you!! I hope you'll have some time to look at some older posts - just be sure to bring along a sense of humor, :-) Oh, and feel free to stop by often...there's always something cooking and there's always enough. :-)

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  60. I was happy to read this one especially, Warren. Our office Christmas party became a Holiday party when my boss started dating a Jewish woman a few years ago. They broke up before our party this past year, so it became a Christmas party again. Silly.

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    1. Silly, indeed. :-) Always glad to see you - thanks for dropping by!

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