Up with which we should not put
Our speaker at the September meeting was Ridade Stardust, on the subject of Mindful Tolerance vs Mindless Tolerance, which turned out to be a meditation on when the virtue of tolerance can cease to be a virtue. This included areas ranging from abusive relationships to cultural conflict. Where Ridade grew up she was taught as a child that women have a lesser status than men, something she would not accept. Much happier living the UK, she appreciates the liberal and egalitarian attitudes here and urges natives here to cherish those values. This was all quite intense for a NSC talk, which might more usually be about quirky historical figures, famous battles or obscure folk practices, but those present took it in their stride (including long-time Australian member Scott Aston and his wife, who were visiting for the first time), and it sparked some lively debate. We were also visited by Zina, a fellow Circassian who had brought a mob of ladies specifically to see Ridade. Many thanks to Ridade for keeping us all on our toes.
