International Day for Tolerance
Paris, November 16th, 1995 -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. This document acknowledges a rise in acts of violence against vulnerable groups and freedom of opinion, calls out a global responsibility to uphold tolerance and human rights, and emphasizes the importance education plays in combating intolerance. As part of this Declaration and to be reminded of its messages, we recognize November 16th as International Day for Tolerance. So what exactly does it mean to be tolerant?
Being tolerant recognizes how with so many different people around the world with so many different cultures, backgrounds and experiences, we are bound to have many, many different opinions and perspectives on how things should be. And these differences can be experienced with respect and appreciation for each other, as “harmony in difference” as noted in the Declaration. Sometimes tolerance can be experienced as simply as a difference in opinions. Like if Johnny chooses a green marker to write his name because he thinks green is the best color, but Jackson chooses a purple marker to write his name because he thinks purple is the best color. Johnny and Jackson can recognize that they have different opinions on what the best color is and choose not to put the other person down or try to change their mind. They might even realize that this difference in opinions means they probably won’t be fighting to use the same color marker! This difference in opinion is small enough that it doesn’t have to ruin their relationship.
Some differences in opinions may be rooted in personal and deeply emotional experiences or religious beliefs. In this case, let’s say Sally is considering getting a tattoo to commemorate a close family member who unexpectedly passed away and talks about it with her friend Sarah who practices a religion which prohibits permanent body modifications like tattoos. These friends can express tolerance for each other’s experiences and beliefs by acknowledging they may individually choose to process grief differently and support the other in their decision. Sally can ask Sarah if she’d feel comfortable going to the tattoo shop with her for support, but should also respect if Sarah doesn’t feel comfortable with this because of her own beliefs. Sarah can also appreciate the artwork of the tattoo even if she knows she would never put it on her own body.
These two cases happen to be about friends who can work through their differences and maintain a friendship, but this isn’t always the case. The Declaration adopted by UNESCO explains how tolerance needs to be present in both general social environments and on a political level. That’s where practicing and exhibiting tolerance are even more difficult, but even more impactful on a global level. If that feels too big right now to work on, it’s always helpful to practice tolerance on a more personal level. You can even do this by checking in with yourself and recognizing where you may have personal biases or prejudices. Educate yourself on cultures and perspectives that differ from your own, learn about why somebody might express themselves in such a way that’s different from yourself. Challenge yourself through the discomfort that may come up. And remember that our differences make us human.
“Without tolerance there can be no peace, and without peace there can be no development of democracy.”
Link to full Declaration of Principles on Tolerance:
