This macro you see here is most likely one of, if not THE first image macro(s) in the brony fandom. It spawned a catch phrase that many bronies stand or live by. pag-ibig and Tolerance is something that many believe holds our fandom together, and I'm pretty sure most believe the ipakita we pag-ibig so much upholds that belief.


My belief, however, is that the term "Love and Tolerance" is getting a bit... overused.


Here's my first point of reasoning: I don't remember a single instance where the ipakita mentions "Tolerance," or tells us to practice it. Love, yes, but not tolerance.
Think about it. Every time the mane 6 is faced with a problem, they don't "tolerate" it as if it were nothing. They tackle it head on, no matter the obstacle.

For example, remember when Gilda showed up and decided to be a jerk to everyone in town INCLUDING fluttershy? Pinkie tolerated her at first, yes, even though she knew how terrible Gilda was, but that wasn't helping anyone. Instead, she decided to throw Gilda a party to "Improve Gilda's Behavior." Of course, the numerous pranks made Gilda snap, but bahaghari drove her off when she realized how Gilda really acted. That doesn't seem like tolerance, does it? Facing the problem instead of "tolerating" it seemed to do a good job.


For my segundo point, allow me to take the definition of "Tolerate," and discuss it.
In the definition of "Tolerate," there were two definitions that stood out to me.
1. To allow without prohibiting or opposing; permit.
2. To recognize and respect (the rights, beliefs, or practices of others)

Let's talk about that segundo definition, first.
Now, to recognize and respect, that would basically mean you would have to approve of one's actions in some way, shape, or form. To be honest, when most people think of the word "Tolerate," they don't think of it with this definition. When bronies say "I'm going to pag-ibig and tolerate the shit out of you," I doubt that means they approve of that person's actions.
In today's world, it's tough for people to approve of another's actions. There is always something that at least one person would not approve of, no matter what that thing is. In the case of the brony fandom, there are those that keep a firm grasp on what they believe to be "The norms" of society that disapprove of our actions.

Now, let's talk about that first definition.
"To allow without prohibiting or opposing."
That pretty much sounds like a well-versed way to say "to ignore." This is what most people think when they hear the word "tolerate."
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying to spout disapproval at everything you don't approve of. There are some things that are better to ignore. However, with the brony fandom, I'm afraid that the factor of making it into a catchphrase will madami likely mean that we will simply just ignore everything that we should rather confront.


While I'm saying that there are some things that shouldn't be ignored, it is better to handle things with care.
For instance, say someone you know (and don't particularly like) comes up to you and insults you because you watch "My Little Pony: Friendship is magic."
Would you:
A) "Tolerate" the bully and hope he goes away?
B) Try to explain the finer points of the ipakita and attempt to change his opinion?
C) Return his insults with fiery passion?

Like I said, there are some things you need to face with care.
If you chose A, then you probably haven't been paying attention to what I have written all that well.
If you chose C, then that would be the wrong way to go about it.
Facing insults using madami insults is just asking for trouble, and would just make them dislike you even more(and, in extension, the show). Yes, I know, you're probably thinking that contradicts my nakaraan point involving Gilda, but what RD did in that instance was a result of the fact that there was most likely no chance of changing Gilda's mind about anything, so she was pretty much forced to drive Gilda away.

If someone openly dislikes something that you happen to like, there is a chance for you to change their mind. Facing a problem with patience and care, instead of hate and hurtful words, is usually the best way to go about things.
If you disapprove of someone's actions, approach them with care. Attempt to be their friend. Get to know them better to hopefully understand their side of the issue.


Starting out as a brony about a taon ago, I used to believe in pag-ibig and Tolerance, and that it was the answer to most issues. This one artikulo I have read, however (link), convinced me otherwise. It's a nice read if you haven't read it, already. This artikulo is loosely based on that article.


Is pag-ibig and Tolerance always a good idea? Love, sure, but tolerance doesn't work well enough to be used as something to live by.