Tolerate the City

ON Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles is the Museum of Tolerance. Many people do not even realize it is there, but the Museum stands as a reminder of the horrific events of the Holocaust as well as the prejudices that still encompass many, specifically in Los Angeles. Half of the Museum focuses on World War II and the events of the Holocaust. Visitors are immersed in what is was like to be forced into concentration camps and even hear testimony from Holocaust survivors. The following section, which is often overlooked, is the "Tolerancenter". Here the guests discuss issues of prejudice in everyday life through interactive displays or speakers. Being in Los Angeles, many of the prejudices highlighted are a part of the city's own being. In such a large and diverse city, it has almost become understood that acts of prejudice will occur. The Museum of Tolerance hopes to educate guests and students that this should not be the case. It highlights the positive elements of diverse communities and tolerance for one another.

However, the word "tolerance" is not always easy to apply in one's daily life in Los Angeles. Tolerance should be showing the respect to someone that every human being deserves, despite who they are or what they do. But so many small instances happen that make it difficult to fully tolerate the people of LA or the city itself. When I am stuck in traffic it is difficult to have tolerance. When I am in Venice passing by the many medical marijuana stands it is difficult to have tolerance. When I hear about drive-bys or gangs fighting it is difficult to have tolerance. When I encounter people who take advantage of the money they have it is difficult to have tolerance. But as hard as it may be, tolerance is something that should be showed to everyone in Los Angeles. Sadly it seems impossible for the city to be rid of all prejudices and racism, but if we can just show a shred of tolerance only we will be moving in the right direction.