International Day for Tolerance

International Day for Tolerance History

International Day for Tolerance seeks to promote understanding and mutual respect among different cultures, religions, and races worldwide. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of tolerance, peace, and respect for diversity in a globalized world. It seeks to emphasize the need to counter intolerance and discrimination, promote social solidarity, and encourage dialogue between different groups for the betterment of all.

The United Nations established International Day for Tolerance in 1995, in response to the growing instances of intolerance and violence worldwide. In the United States, this observance is particularly relevant given the nation's rich history of immigration, multiculturalism, and diversity. Issues such as racism, religious intolerance, and cultural misunderstandings remain important areas where the principles of tolerance can be applied.

In America, International Day for Tolerance is observed through various events and activities that encourage open dialogue and understanding among diverse communities. Educational institutions, civic organizations, and individuals often host workshops, seminars, and community gatherings aimed at promoting tolerance. Additionally, media outlets, both traditional and online, play a crucial role in promoting the importance of tolerance, understanding others' perspectives, and celebrating differences in a positive light. International Day for Tolerance is observed every year on November 16th.

Facts about International Day for Tolerance

• The theme for Tolerance Day in 2024 was Promoting Respect and Understanding Worldwide. In 2023 the theme was Tolerance: A Path to Peace and Reconciliation.
• You can counter intolerance in 5 ways:
  1) Fighting intolerance with law
  2) Fighting intolerance with education
  3) Fighting intolerance with access to information
  4) Fighting intolerance by individual awareness
  5) Fighting intolerance with local solutions
• Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of strangers. It is another word for intolerance.
• There are an estimated 939 active hate groups in the United States alone. Some of the biggest is the Ku Klux Klan and the Neo-Nazis.
• Intolerances originated early in history during the slave trade where differences in race were not tolerated. One of the most recent and most well known examples of intolerance was the Holocaust during World War II, where religion was not tolerated.
• In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher. – Dalai Lama, Important monk from the Gelug School.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Day for Tolerance

Top things to do in the US for this observance

• Raise awareness on social media by using the tags #InternationalDayforTolerance, #ToleranceDay, and #LoveNotHateTolerate.
• Assess the impact of tolerance on your society, its policies and your life. How does this compare to other societies? Do a bit of research to see how different types of governments and policies impact tolerance in a society.
• Organize a sporting event in your community. Sports have shown to be a universal remedy for tolerance issues. Organizing a sporting event in your community, something as simple as a basketball or baseball game, can bring your community closer together and make everyone a little more tolerant.
• Watch a movie about tolerance. Some suggestions are: Schindler’s List (1993), Invictus (2009), Selma (2014), and Hotel Rwanda (2004).
• Read a book about tolerance. Some suggestions are: The Intolerance of Tolerance, Just a Drop of Water and Goblinheart.