To: Mr. XYZ, Head of Chemical Engineering Department, NEDUET.

From: ABC, Chemical Engineering Department, NEDUET.

Date: December 16, 2019
Subject: Tools for Tolerance.
Introduction:
The International Day for Tolerance was observed on November 16 to raise
awareness about the importance of tolerance for a peaceful society. In the honor
of the day an event was organized at the auditorium of NED University. The event
included many diverse speakers including the reputable social activist Zainab
Saeed. She touched on topics like the maintenance of peace and prosperity
among the people and the immense need of tolerance in today’s world. She
further talked about how tolerance can be practiced among people. A detailed
round-up on her talk is as follows;
Importance of tolerance:
In today’s globalized and interdependent world, all of us are aware that human
societies are diverse. There are countless differences between people. However,
the quality that allows us to accept that other people have the right to say and do
as they please is known as tolerance. In simple words, tolerance doesn’t mean
agreeing with other people. Instead, it involves with disagreeing with others in a
respectful manner. Tolerance is an important concept that helps people to live
together peacefully.
We must understand that when people are naturally diverse, differences of
opinion are bound to exist. We have to respect their viewpoint because only
tolerance can ensure the survival of humankind. Whenever we don’t tolerate
others, a hostile situation is created.
In our society, Mashal Khan’s murder, attacks on minorities, and other horrific
social crimes also reflect the rising degree of intolerance. However, transforming
our beloved country into a tolerant one is my ultimate objective
Saying that every individual should practice tolerance is really easy but actually
doing it is not that simple. People are often offended and they feel disrespected
when someone disagrees with their point of view. And they cope with this feeling
by making an impulsive decision which results in intense arguments and even
murders and honor killings. A recent example can be seen in the reaction to the
Supreme Court’s verdict in Aasia Bibi’s case. The chaos that ensued sent a
negative message to the international community that Pakistan doesn’t respect
rule of law.
Tools for tolerance:
Now the important question is how tolerance can be observed? There are many
ways by which one can practice tolerance some of the important tools for
tolerance are:
1- Ask for explanation:
If an individual says something that you find hard to understand, you can figure
out the other person perspective without being intolerant or aggressive. You can
ask them to explain their points.
2- Ignore your differences:
One way to deal with a difficult situation is just to ignore the differences to do this
you would have to avoid certain topics of conservation when necessary.
3- Listen with an open mind:
When having a conversation with someone especially if it is political or
controversial, try to listen to it with an open mind. Avoid making an assumption
or a judgment without understanding completely what the other person is trying
to say.
4- Address a conflict:
If you are struggling to emphasize or ignore the situation and you are finding hard
to tolerate, you can try to address it to reach some kind of resolution. It is not
necessary that you must end up changing other’s way of thinking but it will help
you with moving forward in peace and mutual respect.
5- Think a difficult thought:
One interesting way to try to become more tolerant is to practice dealing with the
thought personally, that you find intolerable. Try to understand the fact that
disagreement does not mean disrespect.
6- Respectfully disagree:
If a person’s opinions or point of views bothers you can disagree in a respectful
and polite way. A difference of opinion with others is natural. But it should be
exercised within moral and cultural limits. You can present your point of view
with such facts that interests the other person rather than forcing them to think
alike and getting involved in a heated argument.
Apart from this the speaker also emphasized that we should consider making
lessons related to patience and endurance part of the school curriculum so that
children are taught about the importance of tolerance, forgiveness, patience and
endurance to lead a balanced life.
Conclusion:
All in all the event was a great call to revive the importance of patience, tolerance
and endurance. The speakers greatly focused on the ways we can include these
attributes in our everyday life. It was a great way to encourage the individuals and
especially the young generation who are the future of our nation to practice such
an attitude which becomes the source of success for themselves and for their
nation as well.