The second entry for the word "tolerance" at dictionary.com states,
"a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own".
This, to me, suggests a passive approach to tolerance. It is an attitude. An attitude is internal, although often the attitude may rise to the surface and be outwardly expressed. But that is not necessary.
The third entry is preferable, as it expresses a more active approach to tolerance. Dictionary.com states,
"interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, etc., foreign to one's own".
The word concern, for me, steps beyond attitude. But the word "tolerance" sings out for something more than just concern. As Nicholas D. Kristof writes (The New York Times, September 4, 2010),
"Americans have called on moderates in Muslim countries to speak out against extremists, to stand up for the tolerance they say they believe in. We should all have the guts [to] do the same at home."
For the complete column see: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/opinion/05kristof.html.
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