Placism vs tolerance

Muslims will observe Ramadhan (the fasting month) beginning on Monday. There are pros and cons as to whether nightclubs and other nightspots shall be opened during this holy month. The most significant word occurring in the said polemic is "tolerance".

According to Black's Law Dictionary (sixth edition), tolerance simply means "to approve something not wholly approved of". I am not sure whether you are able to find the meaning of "placism" in the dictionary. Placism means to position yourself in your community or society. If you see the movie called Any Given Sunday, you will be able to see an example of placism when a black quarterback complains to his white coach that he should be able to position himself in the sport (and also in society) because he is black.

The minority is definitely the victim of placism. Because you are smaller you have to really understand your position in your society. The majority does not have to tell you how to put yourself in the society, but you should take the initiative to behave as the majority wants. No doubt that we shall respect the Muslims who are the majority in Indonesia at any time and any occasion, not only during the holy month.

I absolutely agree the evidence of tolerance could be the shorter working hours of nightspots. However, we also have the task to educate our society not to sacrifice other people's rights, i.e. the nightclub's musicians who have to make a living just like other ordinary people.

RICHARD ADAM

Jakarta