essay on tolerance and respect for others

Tolerance and Respect for Cultural Differences Essay

Introduction, background information.

Conflict is the most common form of challenge facing the human population today. An in-depth analysis of interactions between people from different backgrounds reveals that the said conflict is as a result of societal diversities. The diversities include differences in, among others, social status, race, affiliations to ethnic groups, and political beliefs. According to Agius and Ambrosewicz (1), the diversities in any given society are brought about by cultural variations.

In this essay, the author seeks to provide a solution for these conflicts in a bid to promote peaceful coexistence among people from different cultural and social backgrounds.

Thesis Statement

Tolerance and respect help to reduce conflicts in multicultural societies .

Most contemporary societies are characterized by cultural diversities. The differences are increased by globalization, where physical and geographical borders have reduced and movement of people increased. Tolerance and respect for these diversities is the only way through which people from different backgrounds can live peacefully. The author of this paper bases their arguments on the sentiments held by Basso (7). Basso provides solutions on how to deal with diversity in a society. The author relies on Basso to support the thesis statement in light of the readings specified for this course. A number of factors that support tolerance and respect for diversity are clearly outlined in this essay. In addition, the author of this essay illustrates how the said respect and tolerance can be realized.

Organization of the Essay

The essay is divided into three major sections. The first section constitutes the introduction where an overview of the essay is outlined. The second section is made up of the body of the essay. The definition of terms, position of the author on the subject matter, and justifications for the arguments made is contained in this section. The author concludes the essay in the third section by revisiting the thesis statement and highlighting the various approaches used to develop attitudes that promote respect and tolerance. The conclusion borrows heavily from the course readings as outlined by Basso (4).

Tolerance and Respect in Relation to Cultural Diversities

Definition of terms.

Tolerance draws its philosophical meanings from the accommodation of divergent behaviors in a given society. Agius and Ambrosewicz (11) argue that this concept can be regarded as the formula required for the peaceful coexistence of a socially and culturally divergent people. The two scholars point out that diversity in a society can be brought about by many factors. For instance, the society today is characterized by individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. Such individuals come together to form groups that exhibit diversities with regards to race and ethnicity. Religion is also another reason that brings about divergence in a society.

For example, the American society is made up of people from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and other religious groups. Tolerance can be viewed as the adhesive that holds people together and helps them to live harmoniously despite their cultural differences. It averts conflicts, which may lead to societal disintegration. Conflicts consume a lot of resources that could have been used to promote the society economically and socially. For example, money, time, and human resources are used to resolve disagreements that arise among people in the society.

Tolerance is closely related to the concept of universal equality. Agius and Ambrosewicz (11) argue that a single group in a society can claim superiority over others. For example, the whites can hold the opinion that they are superior to blacks, Hispanics, and other minority groups. Tolerance comes in to address these issues. It promotes the acceptance of other people’s rights to exist regardless of the cultural differences. Basso uses the narrative Number Our Days to illustrate this notion.

Respect and cultural diversity

Respect refers to the way an individual regards other people in the society. In the opinions of Agius and Ambrosewicz (17), this concept is considered as the conduct of an individual with regards to the ethical traits of another person or group. In the matrix of a multicultural society, there are bound to be differences in behavior owing to varying cultural backgrounds. Under such circumstances, respect is seen as the manner in which one party in the society treats their counterparts. It overlooks the biases that would result from the diversity in the community.

Respect and Tolerance

From the definitions provided above, it is evident that the two terms are closely related, especially with regards to cultural diversity. Agius and Ambrosewicz (19) argue that tolerance results from the respect that an individual has towards the diversities evident in the society. Similarly, respect relies on the understanding that people are entitled to their behaviors. The author of this essay relies on this relationship to make arguments in support of development of attitudes that enhance respect and tolerance for diversity.

Solving Societal Challenges in Light of Cultural Diversities

In the previous sections of this essay, the author suggested that attitudes that promote respect and tolerance can solve many of the challenges threatening cohesion and coexistence in the society. As envisaged by Agius and Ambrosewicz (12), conflict is the most common challenge facing a multicultural civilization. The central argument in this essay agrees with the notion that the attitudes supporting respect and tolerance go a long way in solving societal problems, including conflicts. In this regard, several cases of intolerance and disrespect are examined to outline their negative impacts on the society.

A multicultural civilization can be regarded as one that is defined by the existence of people from different racial and cultural backgrounds. By virtue of their ethnic diversity, the individuals are likely to hold clashing schools of thought. For example, the natives may hold religious and political views that are different from those promoted by the whites. The variations are likely to create frictions between these two groups. The demographics of the various racial and ethnic groups vary. In light of these demographics, the dominant group tends to feel superior to the minority class. Agius and Ambrosewicz (13) give an example of racial profiling in Europe and America, some of the most advanced nations in the civilized world. Caucasians are the dominant race in these two societies. As a result, people from other races have received prejudicial treatment in these communities.

Racism is one of the major effects of ethnic diversities in a society. The phenomenon is brought about by the perception that Caucasians are superior to other races, such as the blacks and Hispanics. The act is a classic example of disrespect and intolerance with regards to diversity (Basso 29). Based on the definition of tolerance, it is evident that intolerance is the direct opposite of this concept. A group of people may consider others as unworthy of certain privileges. An example of such kind of intolerance exhibited itself in America where African Americans were denied several rights owing to the color of their skin. The result was a bloody struggle for freedom.

History is replete with several accounts and cases where tolerance and respect for diversity provided solutions to many conflicts. Agius and Ambrosewicz (21) make reference to the gradual decline of sexism. For a long time, most societies believed that men were superior to women. Religions like Christianity and Islam had doctrines that suggested women were inferior to men. Consequently, women were denied certain rights. For instance, in Europe, women were not allowed to vote. However, through dialogue and respect for equality, the group was eventually allowed to exercise this right.

Discrimination is often a manifestation of intolerance and disrespect. Societies that do not embrace tolerance are torn apart by conflicts (Basso 43). Racism and sexism are some of the attitudes that have changed significantly over the years. The shifts in attitudes have led to various changes in the society. For instance, it is now common for an African American to take a Caucasian woman for a wife without societal uproar. Such are the ‘attitudinal’ changes that made it possible for the United States of America to elect a black president for two terms.

Reasons Why Tolerance and Respect Solve Societal Challenges

The peaceful coexistence between people from different backgrounds is better than conflict. In their analysis of tolerance, Agius and Ambrosewicz (11) argue that conflict is resolved by changes in attitude. The two argue that human existence can be traced back to more than 3000 years ago. However, societies have spent more time in conflicts than in actual peaceful coexistence. That notwithstanding, many of the conflicts were resolved with the help of dialogues. In The Spirit Catches You , Basso (45) suggests that dialogue is an attribute of respect towards others.

As a societal challenge, conflict is not attractive. The many wars experienced in the past support this assertion by Agius and Ambrosewicz (4). It is expensive for a society to comfortably enjoy life amidst conflicts. During was, for instance, basic amenities become scarce. To achieve these social amenities, peaceful coexistence is a requirement. A look at attitudinal shifts reveals that very few resources are spent to achieve coexistence. As such, attitudes that enhance respect and tolerance are inexpensive ways of resolving conflicts.

Another reason why these attitudes are a solution to societal challenges is the importance of peaceful coexistence. Agius and Ambrosewicz (18) argue that an increase in the size of global population highlights the need for coexistence. Land is not increasing. It remains static as population size rises. As such, it is important for people to coexist in harmony. Through tolerance, people are able to appreciate their diversity and share the available resources without bias. However, in the absence of tolerance and respect, chaos would reign and nobody stands to benefit. Basso (45) makes a similar assertion in the narrative The Spirit Catches You.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Recommendations.

The discussions in this essay have expounded on the challenges facing humanity. The illustrations about the negative effects of conflict have made it necessary to address attitudinal changes in the society. Agius and Ambrosewicz (23) argue that tolerance and respect are the responses needed to address the problems associated with multicultural societies. Globalization comes with diversities, making it necessary for people to adjust their attitudes. In light of this, the report makes the following recommendations:

Future generations require peace if they are to enjoy their life. The thesis statement envisages tolerance and respect as the key to ending conflict. Education can be used to promote tolerance and respect (Agius and Ambrosewicz 23). People should be taught about the importance of equality. A comprehensive form of education is needed to help the public understand the benefits of diversity. The education should be viewed as beneficial, not as a threat.

Legislation

The author of this essay finds that intolerance may be brought about by legal loopholes. It is important for societies to ensure that intolerance and disrespect are treated as crimes. According to Agius and Ambrosewicz (24), punitive measures are important in phasing out criminal activities. As such, if intolerance and disrespect are criminalized, individuals may begin to appreciate each others’ diversity.

Conflict is one of the problems facing people in a multicultural society. Depending on the background of different individuals, biases are bound to occur when there are divergences in terms of culture (Basso 47). Tolerance and respect are attitudes that can help people appreciate their diversity. Rather than viewing people from different cultures as threats, tolerance and respect helps to illustrate the benefits of the same. Diversity in a multicultural society has a lot of benefits. However, the only way to exploit these benefits is by allowing tolerance and respect to thrive.

Works Cited

Agius, Emmanuel, and Jolanta Ambrosewicz. Towards a Culture of Tolerance and Peace, Montreal: International Bureau for Children Rights, 2003. Print.

Basso, Keith 1984, Course on Language and Thought in Native American Cultures , Yale University, School of Social Sciences. Print.

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Essays, Paragraphs, Education, Articles.

Paragraph on Tolerance

If you are someone who sees yourself as tolerant, then this is a quality that can either be respected or looked down on. Some people may see tolerance with a level of respect because it shows how much patience a person has. However, tolerance can be something that is looked down on because others feel that it is unacceptable to have.

Many people are less tolerant of others and certain situations because there may be feelings of feeling like a pushover, but tolerance is a quality that is truly admired. It is a quality that many hope for, but seldom get. Tolerance, which is the ability or willingness to something, is a quality that either hurt or help relationships with friends and family. If you are a person that has a lot of tolerance than it is something that should be guarded and respected by those around you. Since tolerance is another form of patience. It should be understood that patience is a virtue and patient people always get what they have patiently waited for.

Tolerance may be something that many lack, but to understand the true importance of it, will always earn tolerant people respect in the end. Tolerant people also know the meaning of being mature and understanding of less tolerant people. Tolerance may not always be appreciated, but it is understood.

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By Sarah Peterson

Originally published in July 2003, Current Implications added by Heidi Burgess in December, 2019

Current Implications

When Sarah wrote this essay in 2003, social media existed, but it hadn't yet become popular or widespread.  Facebook and Twitter hadn't started yet (Facebook started in 2004, Twitter in 2006.)  More .... 

What is Tolerance?

Tolerance is the appreciation of diversity and the ability to live and let others live. It is the ability to exercise a fair and objective attitude towards those whose opinions, practices, religion, nationality, and so on differ from one's own.[1] As William Ury notes, "tolerance is not just agreeing with one another or remaining indifferent in the face of injustice, but rather showing respect for the essential humanity in every person."[2]

Intolerance is the failure to appreciate and respect the practices, opinions and beliefs of another group. For instance, there is a high degree of intolerance between Israeli Jews and Palestinians who are at odds over issues of identity , security , self-determination , statehood, the right of return for refugees, the status of Jerusalem and many other issues. The result is continuing intergroup conflict and violence .

Why Does Tolerance Matter?

At a post-9/11 conference on multiculturalism in the United States, participants asked, "How can we be tolerant of those who are intolerant of us?"[3] For many, tolerating intolerance is neither acceptable nor possible.

Though tolerance may seem an impossible exercise in certain situations -- as illustrated by Hobbes in the inset box on the right -- being tolerant, nonetheless, remains key to easing hostile tensions between groups and to helping communities move past intractable conflict. That is because tolerance is integral to different groups relating to one another in a respectful and understanding way. In cases where communities have been deeply entrenched in violent conflict, being tolerant helps the affected groups endure the pain of the past and resolve their differences. In Rwanda, the Hutus and the Tutsis have tolerated a reconciliation process , which has helped them to work through their anger and resentment towards one another.

The Origins of Intolerance

In situations where conditions are economically depressed and politically charged, groups and individuals may find it hard to tolerate those that are different from them or have caused them harm. In such cases, discrimination, dehumanization, repression, and violence may occur. This can be seen in the context of Kosovo, where Kosovar Alabanians, grappling with poverty and unemployment, needed a scapegoat, and supported an aggressive Serbian attack against neighboring Bosnian Muslim and Croatian neighbors.

The Consequences of Intolerance

Intolerance will drive groups apart, creating a sense of permanent separation between them. For example, though the laws of apartheid in South Africa were abolished nine years ago, there still exists a noticeable level of personal separation between black and white South Africans, as evidenced in studies on the levels of perceived social distance between the two groups.[4] This continued racial division perpetuates the problems of intergroup resentment and hostility.

How is Intolerance Perpetuated?

Between Individuals: In the absence of their own experiences, individuals base their impressions and opinions of one another on assumptions. These assumptions can be influenced by the positive or negative beliefs of those who are either closest or most influential in their lives, including parents or other family members, colleagues, educators, and/or role models. 

In the Media: Individual attitudes are influenced by the images of other groups in the media, and the press. For instance, many Serbian communities believed that the western media portrayed a negative image of the Serbian people during the NATO bombing in Kosovo and Serbia.[5] This de-humanization may have contributed to the West's willingness to bomb Serbia. However, there are studies that suggest media images may not influence individuals in all cases. For example, a study conducted on stereotypes discovered people of specific towns in southeastern Australia did not agree with the negative stereotypes of Muslims presented in the media.[6]

In Education: There exists school curriculum and educational literature that provide biased and/or negative historical accounts of world cultures. Education or schooling based on myths can demonize and dehumanize other cultures rather than promote cultural understanding and a tolerance for diversity and differences.

What Can Be Done to Deal with Intolerance?

To encourage tolerance, parties to a conflict and third parties must remind themselves and others that tolerating tolerance is preferable to tolerating intolerance. Following are some useful strategies that may be used as tools to promote tolerance.

Intergroup Contact: There is evidence that casual intergroup contact does not necessarily reduce intergroup tensions, and may in fact exacerbate existing animosities. However, through intimate intergroup contact, groups will base their opinions of one another on personal experiences, which can reduce prejudices . Intimate intergroup contact should be sustained over a week or longer in order for it to be effective.[7]

In Dialogue: To enhance communication between both sides, dialogue mechanisms such as dialogue groups or problem solving workshops  provide opportunities for both sides to express their needs and interests. In such cases, actors engaged in the workshops or similar forums feel their concerns have been heard and recognized. Restorative justice programs such as victim-offender mediation provide this kind of opportunity as well. For instance, through victim-offender mediation, victims can ask for an apology from the offender and the offender can make restitution and ask for forgiveness.[8]

What Individuals Can Do

Individuals should continually focus on being tolerant of others in their daily lives. This involves consciously challenging the stereotypes and assumptions that they typically encounter in making decisions about others and/or working with others either in a social or a professional environment.

What the Media Can Do

The media should use positive images to promote understanding and cultural sensitivity. The more groups and individuals are exposed to positive media messages about other cultures, the less they are likely to find faults with one another -- particularly those communities who have little access to the outside world and are susceptible to what the media tells them. See the section on stereotypes  to learn more about how the media perpetuate negative images of different groups.

What the Educational System Can Do

Educators are instrumental in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence . For instance, schools that create a tolerant environment help young people respect and understand different cultures. In Israel, an Arab and Israeli community called Neve Shalom or Wahat Al-Salam ("Oasis of Peace") created a school designed to support inter-cultural understanding by providing children between the first and sixth grades the opportunity to learn and grow together in a tolerant environment.[9]

What Other Third Parties Can Do

Conflict transformation NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and other actors in the field of peacebuilding can offer mechanisms such as trainings to help parties to a conflict communicate better with one another. For instance, several organizations have launched a series of projects in Macedonia that aim to reduce tensions between the country's Albanian, Romani and Macedonian populations, including activities that promote democracy, ethnic tolerance, and respect for human rights.[10]

International organizations need to find ways to enshrine the principles of tolerance in policy. For instance, the United Nations has already created The Declaration of Moral Principles on Tolerance, adopted and signed in Paris by UNESCO's 185 member states on Nov. 16, 1995, which qualifies tolerance as a moral, political, and legal requirement for individuals, groups, and states.[11]

Governments also should aim to institutionalize policies of tolerance. For example, in South Africa, the Education Ministry has advocated the integration of a public school tolerance curriculum into the classroom; the curriculum promotes a holistic approach to learning . The United States government has recognized one week a year as international education week, encouraging schools, organizations, institutions, and individuals to engage in projects and exchanges to heighten global awareness of cultural differences.

The Diaspora community can also play an important role in promoting and sustaining tolerance. They can provide resources to ease tensions and affect institutional policies in a positive way. For example, Jewish, Irish, and Islamic communities have contributed to the peacebuilding effort within their places of origin from their places of residence in the United States. [12]

When Sarah wrote this essay in 2003, social media existed, but it hadn't yet become popular or widespread.  Facebook and Twitter hadn't started yet (Facebook started in 2004, Twitter in 2006.) 

In addition, while the conflict between the right and the left and the different races certainly existed in the United States, it was not nearly as escalated or polarized as it is now in 2019.  For those reasons (and others), the original version of this essay didn't discuss political or racial tolerance or intolerance in the United States.  Rather than re-writing the original essay, all of which is still valid, I have chosen to update it with these "Current Implications." 

In 2019, the intolerance between the Left and the Right in the United States has gotten extreme. Neither side is willing to accept the legitimacy of the values, beliefs, or actions of the other side, and they are not willing to tolerate those values, beliefs or actions whatsoever. That means, in essence, that they will not tolerate the people who hold those views, and are doing everything they can to disempower, delegitimize, and in some cases, dehumanize the other side.

Further, while intolerance is not new, efforts to spread and strengthen it have been greatly enhanced with the current day traditional media and social media environments: the proliferation of cable channels that allow narrowcasting to particular audiences, and Facebook and Twitter (among many others) that serve people only information that corresponds to (or even strengthens) their already biased views. The availability of such information channels both helps spread intolerance; it also makes the effects of that intolerance more harmful.

Intolerance and its correlaries (disempowerment, delegitimization, and dehumanization) are perhaps clearest on the right, as the right currently holds the U.S. presidency and controls the statehouses in many states.  This gives them more power to assert their views and disempower, delegitimize and dehumanize the other.  (Consider the growing restrictions on minority voting rights, the delegitimization of transgendered people and supporters, and the dehumanizing treatment of would-be immigrants at the southern border.) 

But the left is doing the same thing when it can.  By accusing the right of being "haters," the left delegitimizes the right's values and beliefs, many of which are not borne of animus, but rather a combination of bad information being spewed by fake news in social and regular media, and natural neurobiological tendencies which cause half of the population to be biologically more fearful, more reluctant to change, and more accepting of (and needing) a strong leader. 

Put together, such attitudes feed upon one another, causing an apparently never-ending escalation and polarization spiral of intolerance.  Efforts to build understanding and tolerance, just as described in the original article, are still much needed today both in the United States and across the world. 

The good news is that many such efforts exist.  The Bridge Alliance , for instance, is an organization of almost 100 member organizations which are working to bridge the right-left divide in the U.S.  While the Bridge Alliance doesn't use the term "tolerance" or "coexistence" in its framing " Four Principles ," they do call for U.S. leaders and the population to "work together" to meet our challenges.  "Working together" requires not only "tolerance for " and "coexistence with" the other side; it also requires respect for other people's views. That is something that many of the member organizations are trying to establish with red-blue dialogues, public fora, and other bridge-building activities.  We need much, much more of that now in 2019 if we are to be able to strengthen tolerance against the current intolerance onslaught.

One other thing we'd like to mention that was touched upon in the original article, but not explored much, is what can and should be done when the views or actions taken by the other side are so abhorent that they cannot and should not be tolerated? A subset of that question is one Sarah did pose above '"How can we be tolerant of those who are intolerant of us?"[3] For many, tolerating intolerance is neither acceptable nor possible." Sarah answers that by arguing that tolerance is beneficial--by implication, even in those situations. 

What she doesn't explicitly consider, however, is the context of the intolerance.  If one is considering the beliefs or behavior of another that doesn't affect anyone else--a personal decision to live in a particular way (such as following a particular religion for example), we would agree that tolerance is almost always beneficial, as it is more likely to lead to interpersonal trust and further understanding. 

However, if one is considering beliefs or actions of another that does affect other people--particularly actions that affect large numbers of people, then that is a different situation.  We do not tolerate policies that allow the widespread dissemination of fake news and allow foreign governments to manipulate our minds such that they can manipulate our elections.  That, in our minds is intolerable.  So too are actions that destroy the rule of law in this country; actions that threaten our democratic system.

But that doesn't mean that we should respond to intolerance in kind.  Rather, we would argue, one should respond to intolerance with respectful dissent--explaining why the intolerance is unfairly stereotyping an entire group of people; explaining why such stereotyping is both untrue and harmful; why a particular action is unacceptable because it threatens the integrity of our democratic system, explaining alternative ways of getting one's needs met. 

This can be done without attacking the people who are guilty of intolerance with direct personal attacks--calling them "haters," or shaming them for having voted a particular way.  That just hardens the other sides' intolerance. 

Still, reason-based arguments probably won't be accepted right away.  Much neuroscience research explains that emotions trump facts and that people won't change their minds when presented with alternative facts--they will just reject those facts.  But if people are presented with facts in the form of respectful discussion instead of personal attacks, that is both a factual and an emotional approach that can help de-escalate tensions and eventually allow for the development of tolerance.  Personal attacks on the intolerant will not do that.  So when Sarah asked whether one should tolerate intolerance, I would say "no, one should not." But that doesn't mean that you have to treat the intolerant person disrespectfully or "intolerantly."  Rather, model good, respectful behavior.  Model the behavior you would like them to adopt.  And use that to try to fight the intolerance, rather than simply "tolerating it." 

-- Heidi and Guy Burgess. December, 2019.

Back to Essay Top

---------------------------------------------------------

[1] The American Heritage Dictionary (New York: Dell Publishing, 1994).

[2] William Ury, Getting To Peace (New York: The Penguin Group, 1999), 127.

[3] As identified by Serge Schmemann, a New York Times columnist noted in his piece of Dec. 29, 2002, in The New York Times entitled "The Burden of Tolerance in a World of Division" that tolerance is a burden rather than a blessing in today's society.

[4] Jannie Malan, "From Exclusive Aversion to Inclusive Coexistence," Short Paper, African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), Conference on Coexistence Community Consultations, Durban, South Africa, January 2003, 6.

[5] As noted by Susan Sachs, a New York Times columnist in her piece of Dec. 16, 2001, in The New York Times entitled "In One Muslim Land, an Effort to Enforce Lessons of Tolerance."

[6] Amber Hague, "Attitudes of high school students and teachers towards Muslims and Islam in a southeaster Australian community," Intercultural Education 2 (2001): 185-196.

[7] Yehuda Amir, "Contact Hypothesis in Ethnic Relations," in Weiner, Eugene, eds. The Handbook of Interethnic Coexistence (New York: The Continuing Publishing Company, 2000), 162-181.

[8] The Ukrainian Centre for Common Ground has launched a successful restorative justice project. Information available on-line at www.sfcg.org .

[9] Neve Shalom homepage [on-line]; available at www.nswas.com ; Internet.

[10] Lessons in Tolerance after Conflict.  http://www.beyondintractability.org/library/external-resource?biblio=9997

[11] "A Global Quest for Tolerance" [article on-line] (UNESCO, 1995, accessed 11 February 2003); available at http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and-human-sciences/themes/fight-against-discrimination/promoting-tolerance/ ; Internet.

[12] Louis Kriesberg, "Coexistence and the Reconciliation of Communal Conflicts." In Weiner, Eugene, eds. The Handbook of Interethnic Coexistence (New York: The Continuing Publishing Company, 2000), 182-198.

Use the following to cite this article: Peterson, Sarah. "Tolerance." Beyond Intractability . Eds. Guy Burgess and Heidi Burgess. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder. Posted: July 2003 < http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/tolerance >.

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5 Paragraphs on Tolerance- Importance & Benefits of Tolerance

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Tolerance is the greatest human quality. The following Paragraph talks about Tolerance and its Importance in Life with additional focus on how to promote tolerance in life. This Paragraphs is quite helpful in simple and understandable words for children & students.

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Paragraph on Tolerance, Its Importance, Benefits & Ways to Promote Tolerance in Life

Tolerance is defined as the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in spite of feeling negatively about it. It is an important value to uphold in society, as it allows for different people to coexist peacefully. Tolerance can be difficult to maintain, especially when faced with things that go against one’s personal beliefs. However, with patience and understanding, tolerance can be achieved.

Importance of Tolerance:

Tolerance is important in life because it allows for different people to coexist peacefully. When everyone is tolerant of one another, there is less conflict and more understanding. This can be beneficial for both personal relationships and larger communities. Tolerance also allows for different perspectives to be heard, which can lead to progress and innovation.

Benefits of Tolerance:

There are many benefits of tolerance for students. For one, it can promote a more positive and cooperative classroom environment. Tolerance can also help students to better understand and respect others who may have different backgrounds or beliefs. Additionally, tolerance can lead to increased academic success, as students who are tolerant of one another are more likely to be able to work together effectively. Finally, tolerant students are more likely to be successful in the workforce, as they will be able to better collaborate with a diverse group of people.

How to Promote Tolerance?

There are many ways to promote tolerance. One way is to educate yourself and others about different cultures and beliefs. This can help to increase understanding and respect for others. Additionally, it is important to be open-minded and willing to listen to different perspectives. Finally, it is also helpful to take action against intolerant behavior when you see it. By promoting tolerance, we can make the world a more peaceful and accepting place for everyone.

Conclusion:

Tolerance, therefore, is essential for a healthy and productive society. It is a value that we should all strive to uphold. By promoting tolerance, we can create a more inclusive world for everyone.

Short Paragraph on Tolerance:

Tolerance is a concept that is highly valued in today’s society. It refers to the ability to accept and respect different beliefs, opinions, and behaviors of others, even if they differ from our own. Tolerance is not just about acknowledging diversity; it also means actively embracing it.

In a world where people come from diverse backgrounds, have different cultures, religions, and values, tolerance is crucial for maintaining peace and harmony. It allows individuals to coexist peacefully despite their differences.

Tolerance promotes empathy and understanding, as it requires us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and see the world from their perspective. This not only helps build stronger relationships but also leads to a more inclusive and accepting society.

Practicing tolerance also means having an open mind and being willing to learn from others. It allows us to challenge our own beliefs and preconceived notions, leading to personal growth and a broader understanding of the world.

Moreover, tolerance is not just limited to accepting differences in ethnicity, religion, or culture. It also includes accepting people with different abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

In conclusion, tolerance is an essential value that contributes to a more peaceful and harmonious society. It allows us to celebrate diversity and embrace our differences, ultimately leading to a better world for all. So let’s all strive to be more tolerant and spread this message of acceptance and understanding.

Paragraph on Tolerance Need of Hour:

In a world where conflict and hatred seem to be on the rise, tolerance has become an essential virtue. Tolerance refers to accepting and respecting differences in beliefs, opinions, and behaviors. It is about acknowledging that people have different life experiences and perspectives that shape their thoughts and actions.

In today’s society, diversity is more prevalent than ever before. With advancements in technology and transportation, people from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds are constantly interacting with one another. This increased interaction has highlighted the need for tolerance as a means of promoting harmony and understanding.

Tolerance is also crucial in addressing issues such as discrimination and prejudice. By being tolerant, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone feels accepted and valued regardless of their differences. It allows us to move beyond our own biases and see others as individuals with unique experiences and stories.

Moreover, tolerance is crucial for the development of critical thinking skills. When we are open to different perspectives and ideas, we are able to challenge our own beliefs and expand our understanding of the world. This leads to personal growth and a deeper appreciation for diversity.

In today’s globalized world, where conflicts and tensions often arise from differences, tolerance has become a necessity. It is the key to building peaceful and inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. As individuals, it is our responsibility to cultivate tolerance and promote it in our families, schools, workplaces, and communities as a whole.

Tolerance may not always be easy to practice, but it is certainly needed now more than ever. It requires empathy, understanding, and a willingness to learn from others. By embracing tolerance as a value, we can create a more compassionate and harmonious world for ourselves and future generations. So let us remember that in the face of intolerance and hatred, tolerance is truly the need of the hour.

Let us strive towards building a society where differences are celebrated rather than feared, and where respect for one another is the norm. Together, we can make a positive impact and create a more tolerant world for all. As the saying goes, “The highest result of education is tolerance.”

Paragraph on Religious Tolerance:

Religious tolerance is the acceptance and respect of different religious beliefs, practices, and customs. It is an essential aspect of a peaceful society as it promotes harmony and understanding between individuals of diverse faiths. In today’s world, where religious conflicts often dominate headlines, it is crucial to remember that religion should not be a source of division, but rather a unifying factor.

Religious tolerance means acknowledging and embracing our differences, rather than using them as a reason for hatred or discrimination. It is an important value that should be nurtured in individuals from a young age to create a more tolerant and inclusive society. So, let’s spread the message of religious tolerance, and celebrate the diversity of beliefs that make this world a beautiful place.

Paragraph on Tolerance in everyday Life:

Religious tolerance is often thought of as a concept that only applies to big, global conflicts. However, the reality is that it impacts our daily lives in many ways. It could be something as simple as making sure we don’t offend someone when discussing religious beliefs or practices, or being mindful of different dietary restrictions during communal meals.

But it goes beyond just being polite. True religious tolerance means being open-minded and accepting of others, regardless of their beliefs. It means creating a safe space for people to express their faith without fear of judgment or discrimination.

In our day-to-day interactions, we may encounter people from different religious backgrounds. And instead of focusing on our differences, we should strive to find common ground and celebrate diversity. This can lead to meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of each other’s beliefs.

Moreover, religious tolerance also involves actively challenging stereotypes and prejudices that may exist in our society. It means standing up for those who are discriminated against because of their faith and promoting unity and respect for all religions.

So let’s practice religious tolerance not just in major international conflicts but also in our everyday lives. By doing so, we can create a more harmonious and accepting world for ourselves and future generations.

Q: What is a short paragraph about tolerance?

A: Tolerance is the acceptance and respect for differing beliefs, opinions, and cultures. It promotes peaceful coexistence and understanding in a diverse world.

Q: What is the importance of tolerance?

A: Tolerance is crucial as it fosters harmony, reduces conflicts, and encourages open-mindedness. It’s the foundation for a just and inclusive society.

Q: What is a few lines about tolerance?

A: Tolerance is the ability to embrace diversity, even when we don’t agree with it. It’s essential for social cohesion and global unity.

Q: What is the importance of tolerance in students?

A: Tolerance in students helps them develop empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to work with people from various backgrounds, preparing them for a more inclusive and interconnected world.

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Importance of Tolerance in a Community

“What is Tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other’s folly-that is the first law of nature. ” (Voltaire, Philosophical Dictionary, pg. 206) Tolerance is showing respect to others by appreciating others and allowing them to live. Individuals have different religions, opinions, practices and attitudes. Tolerance is about accepting other people’s lifestyle or beliefs without being judgmental. It contributes to a universal peace.

Unfortunately, too much suffering is nurtured in this world due to lack of tolerance. Moreover, one should ask if tolerance should have a limit particularly when it goes against moral values. Tolerance contributes in making a society stable. Without it, there would be no progression and no peace. In a society where different religious groups reside, it is essential. Every person is called to respect others’ practices and appreciate their contribution to a multi-racial community. Tolerance brings more justice, more equality and less racism. All people are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and they should not be discriminated against because of their nationality, ethnicity, religion, race, gender, political opinions, wealth or property. ” (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations, 1948). However, there is a high degree of intolerance for example between Israeli Jews and Palestinians. They are killing in the name of identity, statehood and religion. For the economy of a community to flourish, tolerance must play an important role at the workplace.

Higher productivity can be achieved if colleagues work together while understanding each other. A modern system of management keeps fighting and bullying away. The employer and the employee respect each other on the basic principle of tolerance. Tolerance at the workplace means respecting the attitude and practices of another person. Co-workers can feel more at ease with each other and concentrate on their work. People may do the same thing in different ways or hold opposing attitudes. Furthermore, employees should be able to accept the policies and laws of the workplace and by being tolerant this can be achieved.

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Tolerance at workplace therefore reduces frustration and improves happiness. Tolerance should also reside in families. It starts with the wife and the husband who afterwards show it towards the children. The modern family is a refuge from the problems of life. It is based on love and tolerance. Without tolerance in the parent-child relationship, there would be a lack of understanding. Furthermore, intolerance between wife and husband can lead to domestic violence. There would be too much tension in a home if tolerance was not practiced. It is an essential component in relationships.

A better atmosphere prevails within bonds when it is present. Parents therefore should be able to teach tolerance to their children, for them to learn to be open to differences. In politics, tolerance plays a major function. Political tolerance is a key principle of democracy. It leads to better governance where genuine democracy prevails. Tolerance fosters democratic values as people have the right to voice their opinion. Criticism can be beneficial as tolerance helps us to accept others views. As a result, the opposition system can freely disapprove a government’s decisions and propose alternatives.

Politicians should be able accept and respect the basic rights of persons and groups whose opinion differ from theirs. All citizens, including political leaders, have the responsibility to put political tolerance into practice by words and actions. For an individual to integrate in a community, he or she must be tolerant with himself or herself. He or she must know how to live with others. We cannot expect everyone to think alike. To live in peace and harmony, one must show respect for oneself and for others. One must accept others as they are and tolerance is the key to it.

It is a way of life and it contributes to self-happiness and happiness for everyone. In addition, by showing tolerance to other, one gives an example of this virtue to his surroundings. Thus, one should include tolerance as one of his or her basic principle of life. However, as almost everything in life, tolerance has a limit. There are so many evils in society that cannot be encouraged such as drug consumption and trafficking, corruption, favoritism, violence and all sorts of crimes. “Tolerance ends where harm begins. ” Tolerance is meant for the worthy, to fight for human rights and aim for peace; not to encourage injustice and harm.

Severe sanctions need to be taken against illegal affairs and unmoral practices. Definitely tolerance has its place in every field of life. It makes relationships smoother, allows freedom of expression and freedom of opinion. For the economy, it contributes to a higher productivity. It can also contribute to one’s happiness. It implies that one should accept differences of opinion and settle disputes peacefully. Countries can achieve peace and harmony through this basic principle of life. Tolerance is a basic principle of life that everyone should have. Nevertheless, we ought not to tolerate unjust practices.

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Essay On Tolerance

Essay On Tolerance (200 words)

Tolerance refers to the ability to accept and respect the opinions, beliefs, and behaviors of others, even when they are different from our own. It is a fundamental value that promotes peaceful coexistence and understanding among individuals and communities.

Tolerance is essential in creating a harmonious society where people can freely express themselves without fear of discrimination or persecution. It encourages dialogue, empathy, and acceptance, enabling individuals to appreciate diversity and learn from different perspectives. It also promotes inclusivity, where everyone is valued and respected regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Tolerance is not about compromising one’s values or beliefs but acknowledging and appreciating the differences that make us unique. It requires patience, open-mindedness, and a willingness to listen and understand others’ perspectives. People who are tolerant can resolve conflicts amicably and avoid violence or hostility.

In conclusion, tolerance is an essential value that fosters peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity, and understanding among individuals and communities. It promotes inclusivity, empathy, and dialogue and is a critical component of a harmonious and democratic society. Our responsibility as individuals is to cultivate tolerance in ourselves and others to build a better world for all.

Essay On Tolerance (500 words)

Tolerance is the ability to accept and respect the differences among people. It is an essential virtue that promotes peaceful coexistence in society. Tolerance allows individuals to recognize that people can hold different opinions, beliefs, values, and cultures without feeling threatened or imposing their views on others.

The world is diverse, and people have different experiences, backgrounds, and beliefs. It is easy to get caught up in our perspectives and fail to see things from other people’s points of view. Tolerance helps us appreciate and understand the differences that exist in the world.

Tolerance is essential in a world where conflicts arise due to differences in religion, race, culture, or nationality. It promotes harmony and allows people to live in peace despite their differences. Tolerance encourages individuals to be open-minded and non-judgmental toward others.

The lack of tolerance can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and hatred towards people different from us. It can cause social unrest and even violence. Tolerance is crucial in building a society free from discrimination and bigotry. It helps us to appreciate the richness of diversity and the value of different perspectives.

Tolerance does not mean we must agree with everything others say or do. It is about respecting their right to have their own opinions and beliefs. It is about acknowledging that others have different experiences that have shaped their views and values. Tolerance requires patience, understanding, and willingness to listen to others.

Tolerance is not an easy virtue to practice. It requires self-awareness and a willingness to learn from others. It is not just about accepting differences but also about actively seeking to understand them. It requires us to be curious about other cultures, religions, and beliefs and to be open to learning from them.

Tolerance is a two-way street. It is not just about accepting others but also about being accepted. We all have a right to our beliefs and values, and we should not be judged or discriminated against. Tolerance allows us to express our opinions and beliefs without fear of persecution freely.

Tolerance is essential in all areas of life, including education, politics, and religion. It allows us to have meaningful conversations and debates without resorting to violence or hatred. Tolerance encourages us to find common ground and work towards a common goal.

In conclusion, tolerance is an essential virtue promoting peaceful coexistence. It is about accepting and respecting the differences that exist among people. Tolerance allows individuals to recognize that people can hold different opinions, beliefs, values, and cultures without feeling threatened or imposing their views on others. Tolerance is essential in building a society free from discrimination and bigotry. It encourages us to be open-minded, non-judgmental, and willing to listen to others. Tolerance is a two-way street that requires us to be accepting and accepted. It is a virtue that should be practiced in all areas of life.