The Positive Presence of Tolerance in Society

Society is formed by groups of individuals who possess different life elements that make them who they are. We all have unique personalities that make us different from one another; these qualities are the building blocks for a better society. Tolerance is one of those qualities that form the base of any society. Due to globalisation, the world has become a much smaller place. People from different nations, cultures, religions and lifestyles are working together and living in the same neighbourhoods. The world has become more multi-cultural and diverse than ever before, thus establishing tolerance and harmony has become more crucial and important.

Now, we must have a complete understanding as to what tolerance actually means. It is the willingness to accept the existence of different opinions and beliefs that we might not agree with or approve of. Tolerance is a virtue, just as we want others to treat us decently; we need to treat them decently as well. Being tolerant of each other and caring for each other is what makes us human. Tolerance comes with the knowledge that each soul is different. Their thoughts, feelings, perceptions are different from us. This understanding helps us to accept people as they are. We don’t waste our energy or get agitated thinking why they are this way or how they can be like this. We don’t try to control them or change them.

Tolerance promotes openness and respect by demonstrating empathy and compassion through our words and actions. I strongly believe that if we want to make the world a more understanding place, we need to start with children who are still forming their perceptions of the world and it’s so important for them to have a positive role model and good influence in their lives, not just in reference to religious and racial differences but promoting tolerance applies to gender physical/ intellectual disabilities as well.

Therefore I would like to end by saying that UAE is the best example that portrays tolerance, where people from diverse cultural backgrounds are living in complete harmony, tolerance, respect and acceptance of one another under the wise leadership of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. UAE’s president directions to declare 2019 as the, ‘year of tolerance’ aims to boost and further promote this value. Let’s make tolerance our life long companion and spread love and peace to make this world a better and happier place.