United Nations International Day of Tolerance—Why is it so difficult to be truly human?
Dr. A. K. Merchant*
As we survey the world on this United Nations International Day of Tolerance, one is tempted to ask: “What is the most depressing thing in this world?” The second law of thermodynamics. A pessimist may find it terribly depressing. It states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time. Or in other words, the universe is always moving from order to disorder. This has profound implications on everyday life and for understanding the importance of the virtue of tolerance in one’s interpersonal relationships.
In 1993, at the initiative of UNESCO, the United Nations proclaimed 1995 as “The Year for Tolerance”. UNESCO’s 1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance was that tolerance is respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression, and our ways of being human. The United Nations General Assembly decided to celebrate International Day for Tolerance every year. One year later in 1996, the UN General Assembly decided 16th of November was the International Day for Tolerance and it would be celebrated every year. For International Day for Tolerance the Common Theme is “Tolerance is respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, forms of expression, and ways of being human”
On International Day for Tolerance 2024, we must resolve to create a friendly environment with our neighbours in offices, schools, colleges, and any other similar setting. In fact, go out of our way to think of new creative ways to forge healthy interpersonal relationships with fellow human beings and with the environment.
For achieving the above the first step to be taken by the highest leadership in every country would be to acquire a world-embracing vision and the moral strength to translate it into action so that the millions upon millions of the peoples everywhere may be lifted out of their heart-rending miseries and enormous destruction of the earth’s environment. Next in importance is acceptance of the natural unity of the human family in which the wellbeing of the individual is identified with the wellbeing of all. Thirdly, ethical principles of themselves have always been ineffective in producing lasting results if divorced from religion and spirituality. The fourth aspect is allegiance to the law of harmony as the primary principle of conduct in society. Legal requirements imposed by an external authority of force and power win for themselves only an outward compliance, whereas obedience to an ethical principle would spring from the inner and voluntary choice of the individual. The universal adoption and application of this law to the global problems would certainly provide the solution to much of the present-day unrest and uncertainty. It would mean the end of greed and selfish exploitation of each other; an end to the scandals and scams that keep battering at the fabric of our present-day civilization. The reality of our age is the interdependence of all peoples, and the institutions and policies which regulate our physical, political, economic and social life in which the consciousness of world citizenship, and the planet as our common homeland will find complete expression
Five Facts About Hate Crimes - It affects a lot of people regularly. As per the research done on the population in the United States, on average, eight black people, three white people, three gay people, three Jewish people, and one Latino person become hate crime victims daily. A lot is committed by young people; 50 percent of all the hate crimes in the U.S. are committed by people between the ages of 15 and 24. It is frequent.
Every hour in the United States somebody commits a hate crime. Race is the largest reason. Race is the main motive in most hate crimes reported, followed by sexual orientation and religion. There are parallels in a number of countries, for example, in India caste prejudices and religious prejudices are quite rampant. No one is born with inherent hate. Hate crimes stem from a learned behaviour of hatred or one’s self-taught bias.
Why International Day for Tolerance is important? It's educational International Day for Tolerance is a great educational resource to help learn about how to be a more tolerant person but also the intolerances that may still be happening around the world. It brings us together - Inherently based on the idea that humans should come together rather than be divided, International Day for Tolerance is a day to celebrate the differences between cultures and creeds and appreciate what they bring to our lives. It reminds us it’s a constant effort.
According to the Baha'i Writings, "It is the outward practices of religion that are so different, and it is they that cause disputes and enmity -- while the reality is always one and the same. The reality is the Truth, and truth... is God's guidance, it is the light of the world, it is love, it is mercy" (Paris Talks, 120-121). Many differences are caused by the accretion over time of conflicting ideas and practices. The social teachings, the rituals and observances, which give each religion its distinctive character, can best be understood in the context of the time and place where the religion was revealed. The ability to distinguish between the eternal spiritual truths, on the one hand, and the social instruction specific to a time and place, on the other, makes it possible to appreciate both the unity of religions and their diversity.
Mahatma Gandhi has stated: “Civilization is that mode of conduct which point out to man the path of duty. A performance of duty and observance of morality are convertible terms. To observe morality is to attain mastery over our mind and our passions. So doing, we know ourselves. The Gujarati equivalent for civilization means ‘good conduct’.”
Therefore, some of the actions that bring success and deepen our understanding of the concept of tolerance are the following: (i) Learning about different cultures. This is one of the best ways to help break down tendency for intolerance increase one’ awareness of other intolerances throughout the world; (ii) Listening to neighbours who have different viewpoints. This helps one to take a better look at the world and how to perceive it. Tolerance and intolerance can only be identified by listening more to those who may have suffered at the hands of intolerance and hearing what they have to say; (iii) Participating in events of remembrance or advocacy; this is a great way to celebrate International Day of Tolerance whether it's a candlelight vigil for the victims of intolerance or a lecture from an esteemed activist or thought leader, getting out there and getting involved will help one to grow.
By increasing awareness and spreading education on days such as this, it helps play an active role in the elimination of intolerance. Civilization’s future course depends on it. In the words of Bahá’u’lláh, “observe tolerance and righteousness, which are two lights amidst the darkness of the world and two educators for the edification of mankind.”
*The author is a social worker, independent researcher and member of the Bahá’i Community of India