“Education is the key to tolerance.”
This is a quote I’ve long loved and find myself turning to more and more often. Each and every person in this world is unique in their own way. A simple glance at our fingers is a reminder that we each possess the ability to leave a mark on this world that is different from anyone else.
If each human being has a distinct fingerprint, it goes to say that we each have different ways of thinking, processing, connecting and experiencing the world.
The fact that we each literally leave a unique mark is only further proof that for the world to exist in its best form, it requires each of us to play our role. A clear reminder that “YES! you are significant. In fact you fill a space that no one else can fill.” Repeat that to yourself. What a powerful concept, what an empowering concept. But let us remember that in the same way as we are told these precious words, so is each and every person. It’s when we realize and internalize this thought that our respect, appreciation and love for others grows. “Yes, I am an important piece in this puzzle of life, but so is he. So is she.”
So why do I bring this up and how is it related to tolerance?
Well, I don’t know about you, but when I observe this vastly changing world I’m baffled to see that simply because two people shared different or even opposing opinions on a given topic, their differences have suddenly become reason to walk away, click the “unfriend” button and in some cases cut ties, shame or attack the other.
When thinking about what separates human beings from the animals, one thing comes to mind. Dialogue. Sure, animals can communicate with one another but they lack the ability to have true dialogue. To hear the thoughts of another wholeheartedly and then respond in turn and discover something in the process.
Dialogue, debate – these have actually been the key to progress over the centuries. The sharing and exchanging of ideas, thoughts, ideologies, points of view. After all, dialogue and debate lead to truth, understanding, acceptance and yes…tolerance. True – both parties may leave the table with their opinions unchanged. But dialogue was never about convincing another party of something. Dialogue was about discovering the viewpoint of another so that you can respect where they are coming from, even though you may not agree with their take.
If we don’t share our views openly in a respectful and embracing way then we simply make one side out to be “the other.” This is where danger lies. By defining someone as “the other” simply because they don’t conform to a popular opinion, one can be led to justify actions taken against that person in the name of what they hold to be true, good and kind. But goodness and kindness never take the form of aggression, scapegoating and shaming.
There is a reason why education is the key to tolerance. You see, when you take the time to actually get to know someone – to step into their shoes – you won’t magically understand them. But you most certainly will respect them and their path.
Until you take the time to truly see someone, they will always be “the other.”
So, take this opportunity to be mindful. When you find yourself at odds with someone or you find that you don’t agree with their opinion, take the time to learn about who they are, their story, their fingerprint. True – you may not agree, and that is completely fine! We were never meant to all be the same, in fact we were each created to be different, and it is the fact that we are each different that makes us all the same.
Here’s to learning, growing and connecting.
~Orly Wahba