In lights of the unfortunate events in Sri Lanka, it should be a reminder, to us all, of the importance of social tolerance and understanding.
No matter what happens, a bombing or a terror-attack, should not determine how you view a whole race/community of people.
And here’s a universal truth: The entire human race will never agree on one thing.
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People have different opinions and that’s okay, but we should never go out of our way to make a person feel less of themselves because of race, gender or culture, etc.
Here are the ways that you can practice social tolerance:
1. Educate
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Before jumping to conclusions, we’ve got to know the facts. It is easy to get caught up in fake news and unreliable information all over the web. But with thorough research, it may help see a whole gray area that can refine your opinion/view and may even help you understand it better.
2. Avail Yourself To Information & Change
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The world is changing, with new information to take in and learn everyday. And the only way people survive and thrive in it, is through adapting.
Having an open-mind on change allows us to have a blank canvas of understanding, which allows acceptance and a broadened perspective.
3. Respect
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Respecting someone with a different opinion doesn’t mean that you agree, it is simply to let a person with a different opinion be allowed to express just as you can express your own views/opinions.
4. A Way of Connecting
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In many ways, social tolerance allows us to open our minds to thought-provoking discussions and meaningful connections with others. We are all equals when rendered off of the materialism. You might even find common ground with people you don’t agree with, and instead of animosity, you make a connection/bond.
5. Empathising
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If you still find it difficult to understand or respect a person’s views and opinions, it might be helpful to put yourself in their shoes. To understand why and how they feel a certain way towards a certain topic, it could be an upbringing or a traumatic experience, you never know.
6. Spreading The Love
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Bear with me for taking the 60’s-Hippie route (We’re not complaining, btw), but embracing is also a surefire way to make someone feel like their beliefs aren’t being challenged. Understand that different individuals cause different points of view. And embracing someone for sharing their unpopular/popular opinion might make a person feel more open to understanding your take on a topic.
We hope you find this article helpful! And that you can do your part to spread social tolerance and acceptance too!
On behalf of the Sevenpie team, we would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the victims affected in the Sri Lanka bombing. Love one another and stay strong!
Header image credits: NY Post | Samuel Centre For Social Connectedness
