Information key to understanding tolerance

Human relations is definitely a touchy subject. How we treat each

other, what we say, how, when and where we say it is important.

Ask Newport Beach Councilman Richard Nichols or Costa Mesa City

Councilmen Chris Steel and Allan Mansoor, all of whom say they are

unfairly judged by some people as intolerant.

The Newport-Mesa Interfaith Council, an organization designed to

build bridges of understanding between the various faiths in the

area, hosted a Wednesday discussion pertaining not only to religious

diversity but diversity of the community. Rusty Kennedy, the

executive director of the Orange County Human Relations Commission,

was the guest speaker and addressed a room of about 40 people.

Coincidentally, it happened to be on the same day the Pilot broke

the news about Newport Beach Councilman Richard Nichols and his

comment about “Mexicans” on the grassy areas at Corona del Mar State

beach.

While Kennedy said he had indeed heard about Nichol’s comment, he

did not focus on it as a topic of discussion. Rather, he addressed

the overall need for further work to improve the way we humans relate

to each other and, of course, called for support of the Orange County

Human Relations Commission, which took some hefty cuts in the county

budget process.

Nichols just happened to be in my mind as I sat through Kennedy’s

presentation.

The Human Relations Commission was started 32 years ago to

“eliminate prejudice and intolerance,” Kennedy explained. Since then,

the group has sponsored a variety of programs including, living room

dialogues, conflict resolution and elementary school curriculum.

The goal: “To see how much more we have in common as human

beings,” Kennedy said.

It works to build relationships and understanding, he said.

Personally, I think these things are great. I am just a curious

person and the more I can learn about others, the more I learn about

myself and my own ignorance. For the most part, those willing to

learn, discuss and open their minds are not the crux of the problem.

It is those who refuse. Their minds are made up. You can’t tell them

differently.

It also doesn’t help that the image of these types of programs

inspire visions of love-fests, with group-hugs-a-plenty. I am not

saying that is what they are but some people have that impression.

Add to it the fact that a growing number of people are getting

sick and tired of “political correctness.” Most people are tired of

being told what to say, when, where, why and to whom they say things

to. I would argue that a lot of people would like to feel free to

speak their minds without getting a slap on the wrist and dirty look

from society.

The funny thing is, that’s what these programs are designed to do.

They are not organized to make everybody love each other. You are not

going to walk out of a living room dialogue totally excepting of

homosexuality or inter-racial marriage or “Mexicans” on the beach.

The point is to learn something new.

What you do or don’t do with that information is up to you.

* LOLITA HARPER writes columns Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and

covers culture and the arts. She may be reached at (949) 574-4275 or

by e-mail at [email protected].