This month’s theme: TOLERANCE
Articles of the Month
Reflections on Tolerance – “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.
Tolerance is more than putting up with things – it’s a moral virtue – When tolerance is placed within the moral domain relating to fairness, justice and respect and avoiding causing harm to others, it can only be viewed as a positive moral virtue.
Being tolerant – It isn’t simple to be a tolerant person. It is okay to stick to your own values; but it makes sense to evaluate your values, especially if they are having an effect on others.
“Tolerance is the mindful capacity to love, respect, and accept the differences that make people unique.”
Byron R. Pulsifer
“Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity.”
Robert Alan
“People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
Nelson Mandela
Act of Kindness
When you don’t agree with another person’s opinion, focus on respecting their right to think for themselves and to believe as they choose. Just as we would never want that right taken away from us, we have a responsibility to extend that same courtesy to other people and treat others with respect, even when we disagree with them.
Question of the Month
How can we be tolerant of those who are intolerant of us? Share here or in the comments below.
Kindness Media
Photo of the Month
How does this photo represent tolerance? Share your thoughts.
Songs of the Month
A song about acceptance, tolerance, and celebrating differences.
This song is urging people to love one another, and questioning why so much hate exists in the world, this song remains relevant more than one decade later, a pertinent reminder that we should extend love to people of all races and religions.
This song about equality is an anthem that has inspired so many to fight for peace and love. Lennon sings about his belief that we are all one people and that we do not have to be divided by borders or religions.
Videos of the Month
Cole Blakeway, a messy ten-year-old, teaches us the value of celebrating differences as he describes his beautiful friendship with Steven, a 44-year-old man with Autism.
An inspiring video about love and tolerance
A deaf girl comes across a boy who is paralyzed from the waist-down, but neither of them know about each other’s differences.
Books of the Month
Far from the Tree – Laurie Calkhoven – Far from the Tree explores how people who love each other must struggle to accept each other—a theme in every family’s life.
Living The Five Skills of Tolerance – Scott Warrick – This book does not focus on what makes us all different. It focuses on what we all have in common and how we all need to treat each other on an individual basis as human beings. The Five Skills of Tolerance form the roadmap that helps US ALL evolve into 21st century human beings and build a better world.
The Psychology of Tolerance in Times of Uncertainty – Malgorzata Kossowska – This unique book lays out the motivational basis for tolerance, the most important underlying factor that shapes people’s social attitudes and determines our ability to get along with others.
One of These Is Not Like the Others – Barney Saltzberg – Even though one of these is not like the others, that’s just fine with these friends…because it’s how they rock and roll. Cute illustrations show friend groups with one different-looking friend.
We’re Different, We’re the Same – Bobbi Kates – Noses look different but they’re the same, too, because they breathe and sniff. Sesame Street characters show kids that no matter how things look on the outside, we’re also the same on the inside.
Just Like Brothers – Elizabeth Baguley – Lush illustrations and lyrical text tell the redemptive story of two different creatures who come together in friendship despite warnings from their parents. Because sometimes people judge negatively when someone is different.