Since 1995, the world regularly observes November 16 - International Day of Tolerance (Tolerance). What does this strange holiday mean? Does this mean that anyone celebrating this date supports homosexuality and other “deviations”? Does an Orthodox believer who respects traditions have the right to participate in events dedicated to the Day of Tolerance? We will consider this in this article. First of all, we will understand the meaning of the term “tolerance”. He came from the Latin word "tolerantia" - patience. But how far does our restraint have to spread? Does not tolerance mean condescension to all lawlessness?
History of International Tolerance Day
The initiative to establish this holiday belongs to UNESCO. It was on this first day of the second decade of November 1995 that the organization adopted the Declaration of Principles of Tolerance. It speaks of the equality of all people, regardless of the color of their skin, religion or origin. A year later, at the UN General Assembly, Member States decided to celebrate this event annually. But the same principles mentioned in the act of 1995 are spelled out in the Universal (or, as it is also called otherwise, universal) Declaration of Human Rights - a famous document that was approved in 1948. Why did you need this legal dubbing? Why, in addition to December 10 (the day of the UDHR adoption), also celebrate November 16? International Day of Tolerance was adopted as a significant date in order to draw the attention of mankind to a terrible picture. In the twenty-first century, despite the progress and technical rise of civilization, here and there on this planet people are persecuted, humiliated and insulted because they are "different". And this discrimination becomes the cause of violence and extremism. In order to instill in people respect for the "others" and prevent these manifestations, it is celebrated on November 16.
International Day for Tolerance: Events
The UN member states, having ratified the Declaration of Principles of Tolerance, thereby pledged not only to create fair legislation, but also to adhere to norms in the judicial and administrative system that would take into account the provisions of this act. And besides, they must do everything so that the citizens of these countries become more tolerant of those who are somewhat different from them. And this is not so easy to do. The adoption of laws, the implementation of the provisions of the Declaration, are only a “material” condition for the formation of a tolerant society. But without proper upbringing in the spirit of respect for the identity of others, all this will turn into an empty declaration. November 16, International Day of Tolerance is a test of society on how people are ready to perceive alien views, a way of life, distant faith and traditions in their spirit. Events can be completely different: from round tables discussing the observance of the rights of persons with disabilities to television broadcasting of the film “Hipsters”, which tells about the youth subculture in the USSR in the fifties of the last century.
What is tolerance?
The very word "patience" has a negative meaning. It means suffering. We subconsciously experience unpleasant emotions in cases when people behave differently from us, dress strangely, lead an alien way of life, and profess unacceptable views for us. And some of us are even ignited by “righteous anger.” But, perhaps, we ourselves in the eyes of these other people look like weird “renegades”? Let's think about it on November 16th. International Day of Tolerance is designed to emphasize once again a simple fact of life: we are all different, and we are all equal. Do not require others to be “like everyone else” and, moreover, to resort to violence. Living in a harmonious, multicultural society will also be easier for you when you find yourself in the minority with your views or self-identity.
How far should tolerance extend?
When the holiday was established on November 16, International Day of Tolerance, states deliberately set the framework for tolerance. A person is free to live, as he considers it necessary, until his freedom to express himself affects the rights of other people. Thus, a bully who behaves badly (insults, litter and insults others) cannot be an object of tolerance. Also, any social and political groups that profess racial, religious and other hatred cannot be tolerated by society. Tolerance and pluralism are signs of a civilized society. They bring up obedience to the law. So do not be afraid to celebrate November 16 - International Day of Tolerance. Pictures, which are usually shown to children in schools to mark this date, emphasize both the difference and the equality between people.