I think this is a good subject, it's a fine line to walk. How can you be tolerant and respectful all the time when there are conflicting thoughts and beliefs. If you tolerate one do you think disrespect another? How do conflicting ideology coexist peacefully?
I think since the age of reason, this type of duality has been examined. And if you look at conflict today, it can be summed up as to what we are discussing.
To be honest, I think some conflict is good, as I tend to be a conflict theorist. It is natural and breaks up the montony of thought and brings about progress in thinking and living for all.
I think in terms of discussions, I am more for open rather than closed and just a few general guidelines followed, which are pretty common sense. If you think something is stupid, say it, if you don't agree say it, if you have a belief debate your point and vice versa, however, that's theoritical to me. In real life everyday interaction, I think tolerance is more important than respect, although they go hand and hand. I have an example that comes to mind:
I am not sure if everyone is familiar with the MOVE people, but I remember when this happened very well. These people did not agree with the way this country lived in a few very important ways, but they tolerated the country they lived in and chose to practice against the grain in their dwellings. HOWEVER, the city was not particularly tolerant of them, but other people complained about them, found their belief system offensive, etc
What happened next was a terrible series of events which lead to about two blocks being fire bombed and lives lost, all because of a religious movement. So the question becomes who was being intolerant and whom was being disrespectful? I guess it depends on the party involved.
Interesting subject, no easy answers.
