Creative Class According to Proponents of the

¶ … Creative Class According to proponents of the theory of the "rise of the creative class," creative capital is intrinsic to future economic development. The notion of creative capital suggests that human intellectual capital, versus other types of value, has grown in importance and this will drive economic momentum in the near and far future. Cities, regions, and nations which attract creative people with the three Ts of economic development (technology, talent and tolerance) will prosper while those who do not will lag behind.

This theory has proven to be controversial, however, not the least of which is the challenge of defining tolerance. Although tolerance is sometimes defined by population diversity, this is not always the case -- in fact, diversity in some instances is associated with growing intolerance and even violence (Wimark 2012: 48). Measuring diversity also does not give sufficient acknowledgement to the phenomenon of ghettoization.

According to studies of the social dynamics, high levels of ethnic diversity, large gay and lesbian populations, and high levels of "bohemianism" (unconventional marital and sexual alliances) are synonymous with tolerance. However, Wimark (2012) suggests that other factors that suggest toleration must be included in such an evaluation, including a lack of hate crimes, voting patterns, and integration. These are better ways to ensure that there is true toleration, and not merely diversity.

Tolerance must be manifested with "attitudes and actions" not merely with evidence of persons of different heritage and lifestyle practices living side-by-side in the same city (Wimark 2013: 53). When questions of tolerance are raised in a conversation I think that people have reached a true state of tolerance when difference can be acknowledged and discussed without being specifically remarked upon or attention drawn to the fact.

For example, in regards to tolerance of gays and lesbians, if someone introduces his partner as his husband, I believe that tolerance is manifest when people are not made surprised or uncomfortable by this fact but simply treat the individual as they would any other spouse, without any more or less courtesy. Intolerance can be expressed by outright, articulated prejudice.

But it can also be expressed by a refusal to acknowledge the gay person's relationship as equal (for example, not inquiring about someone's wedding, engagement, or anniversary or assuming that gay people cannot be faithful to one another like straight people). Intolerance can also be expressed by excessive curiosity or scrutiny, treating a gay relationship as strange and by implication unnatural. When people ask questions of someone who is in a gay relationship they would not of someone in a straight relationship, this can indicate intolerance.

So can the assumption, which is occasionally expressed, that every gay man or woman is interested in every straight man or woman. The language used.