EDIT: in reviewing this post, I realized that in the nearly 20 years since it was penned, some of our language styles and uses have changed. It will be updated for more clarity at the earliest opportunity.
~Ashleigh, 30 September 2017.

[Following is taken from a posting I made to the Georgian Chat list following a discussion at a local community event one evening.]

One of the things that I have always liked about the Georgian Tradition is that we can feel free and safe enough to voice our feelings, both on this list, and throughout the tradition, in general. I attribute that to the basic lessons of the tradition, beginning with the “unbrainwashing” exercises that Pat passed to his students and we, in turn pass on to ours.

I find it discouraging, especially on other lists, when the spectre of Political Correctness raises its head, because it tends to quash any real dialogue on any subject of substance.

<soapbox rant on>

Political Correctness is not tolerance, it is a means of dis-empowering valid and real emotions, opinions and thought processes which then reduces anything of substance to a bland sameness. Look at nature: nature is not politically correct, it simply is. It is beautiful, it is terrifying. It is tranquil, it is anything but. True discussion and debate requires, no, demands, that all parties be able to express themselves in manners which others may be uncomfortable with, in disagreement with. The sharing of diverse opinions and ideas leads to new opinions and ideas; some that are held may change, others may become stronger and reinforced by the discussion. One should not feel a need to apologise for their validly held opinions and ideas; nor, however, should they browbeat others to their position or views,

Tolerance is a means of acceptance that other opinions, ideas, etc., can be just as valid as those of one’s own belief. Tolerance is a recognition that diversity sometimes means that “we must agree to disagree” on the matter, and move onward. Tolerance is also a recognition that these diverse opinions, lifestyles, etc., are not an actual threat to our own well-being.

<soapbox rant off>

Just some random thoughts that have come to me this evening, following a period of socialization in my local community.

Blessings,
Moondancer