DIFFERENCES

DIVERSITY
DIFFERENCES

DIVERSITY
 TOLERANCE

ACCEPTANCE

ENGAGEMENT

1. Define the word

2. Explain how it is different from the other two words

3. Give a concrete example (be creative)

Tolerance –

• To bear something which is difficult or

uncomfortable. (like a toothache or a very
noise person)

• To put up with someone who is disliked

for their differences.

• While people deemed undesirable may be

disapproved of, "tolerance" would require
that the party or group in question be left
undisturbed, physically or otherwise, and
that criticism directed toward them be
free of inflammatory or harmful efforts.
TOLERANCE – GOOD? BAD?

• Religious tolerance

• Ethnic tolerance

• Political tolerance
Tolerance doesn’t always last!

• When the toothache seems

unbearable, it will no longer be
tolerated!

• When we believe that we can no

longer tolerate the “undesirable”
person, we try to avoid them or
fight them.
Acceptance -

• To receive something even if one

doesn’t like it.

• Usually refers to the experience

of a situation without an
intention to change that
situation.

• Acceptance is often contrasted

with resistance.
Engagement –

• To meet together for the

purpose of mutual benefit

• It suggests a commitment
to learning and living
together, to listen
deeply to each other.
 TOLERANCE

ACCEPTANCE

ENGAGEMENT

1. Define the word

2. Explain how it is different from the other two words

3. Give a concrete example (be creative)

 MOVING FROM

TOLERANCE
TO
ACCEPTANCE
TO
ENGAGEMENT

DISCUSSION
OR
DIALOGUE
 DISCUSSION AND DEBATE
• “Discus” – to throw, fragment, shatter
(same roots as percussion and concussion)

• To tell, sell, persuade, shake apart other’s

opinion. Competitive in nature.

• To gain agreement on one meaning

(Usually my meaning)

• To evaluate and select the best – to win

• To justify/defend assumptions

• Seeks a solution – must win but it may be

a compromise solution.

• Tends to create division and centralized

leadership (power over)

• Listening not most important.

• The person of knowledge tries
to learn many things. The
person of wisdom tries to
unlearn many things.
DIALOGUE

“A stream of meaning flowing among and through

a group of people, out of which may emerge
some new understanding - something creative
and closer to Truth.
DIALOGUE
• “Dialogue is a basic
communication process
leading directly to personal
and group transformation.

• It helps create an
environment of:

– High trust and openness

– The capacity for reflection and
creativity
– Learning from each other
– Looking beyond superficial and
automatic answers
– Ending of stereotypes, labels,
biases and assumptions
 DIALOGUE VERSUS DISCUSSION
• “Through meaning” (slow) • “Discus” – to throw, fragment, shatter (same
roots as percussion and concussion)
• To inquire and to learn
• To tell, sell, persuade
• To seek shared meaning
• To gain agreement on one meaning
• To integrate multiple perspectives – not to win
• To evaluate and select the best – to win
• To uncover and examine assumptions
• To justify/defend assumptions
• Open-ended
• Seeks a solution
• Creates a community-based culture of
cooperation and shared leadership (power • Tends to create division and centralized
with) leadership (power over)

• Leads to transformation of self • Little opportunity for transformation

DIALOGUE – THICH NHAT HANH
1. For dialogue to be fruitful, we need to live deeply our own
tradition/religion and, at the same time, listen deeply to others.

2. For any dialogue between traditions/religions to be deep, we have

to be aware of both the positive and negative aspects of our own
tradition/religion.

3. In a true dialogue, both sides are willing to change. We have to

appreciate that truth can be received from outside of – not only
within – our own group.

4. We have to believe that by engaging in dialogue with the other

person, we have the possibility of making a change within
ourselves; that we can become deeper. Dialogue is not a means
for assimilation in the sense that one side expands and
incorporates the other into its “self”.
SKILLS FOR DIALOGUE - interconnected
• Suspension of judgment
(foundation of dialogue)

• Identifying our own

assumptions, biases,
prejudices

• Deep listening – How do you

know when someone is
listening deeply to you?

• Inquiry and reflection

– I listen
– Then I think
– Then I act/respond
BEHAVIORS TO SUPPOT DIALOGUE

• Suspension of judgment when

listening and speaking

• Respect for differences

(celebration of diversity)

• Role and status suspension

• Willingness to transform self

• Focus on learning
– Understanding the “other”
– Understanding self
– Understanding and engaging with
differences
DIALOGUE OF LIFE
 LET US DIALOGUE
• Identify someone you do not know:
– Stranger
– Different faith
– Different ethnicity
– Different politics

• Dialogue with this person:

– Listen carefully to what they say
– Ask questions to understand more deeply
– Reflect seriously before responding
– Make a serious attempt to learn something new about them and about yourself.

• Share in the large groups:

– What did you learn new about the person from your dialogue?
– What did you learn new about yourself – your biases, misconceptions, etc?
– Was it difficult to dialogue – to listen deeply and not give your ideas?
– Is personal transformation needed/possible?