Since 1995, the world regularly celebrates November 16 -International Day of Tolerance (Tolerance). What does this strange holiday mean? Does this mean that anyone marking this date supports homosexuality and other "deviations"? Does the Orthodox believer, who knows the tradition, have the right to participate in the events dedicated to the Day of Tolerance? This we will consider in this article. First of all, we will deal with the meaning of the term “tolerance”. It came from the Latin word "tolerantia" - patience. But how far should this restraint spread? Does tolerance mean condescension to any iniquity?
History of the International Day of Tolerance
Initiative on the establishment of this holidaybelongs to unesco. It was on this first day of the second decade of November 1995 that the organization adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. It speaks of the equality of all people, regardless of their skin color, religion or origin. A year later, at the UN General Assembly, the 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 otherwise called, universal) Declaration of Human Rights - a famous document that was approved in 1948. Why did you need this legal dubbing? Why, except for December 10 (the day of the adoption of the UDHR) to celebrate November 16? The International Day of Tolerance was adopted as a significant date in order to draw the attention of mankind to the terrible picture. In the twenty-first century, despite the progress and technical rise of civilization, here and there on our planet people are persecuted, humiliated and insulted because they are “others”. And this discrimination causes violence and extremism. To instill in people respect for "others" and prevent these manifestations, and is celebrated on November 16th.
International Day for Tolerance: Events
UN member states ratifyingThe Declaration of Principles of Tolerance undertook not only to create fair legislation, but also to adhere to the 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 differ from them in any way. 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 someone else's identity, all this will turn into an empty declaration. November 16, the International Day of Tolerance is a test of society on how people are ready to accept alien views, a way of life, far from the spirit of faith and tradition. Events can be completely different: from round tables to discuss the observance of the rights of persons with disabilities to the broadcast on television of the film “Hipsters”, which tells about the youth subculture in the USSR in the fifties of the last century.
What is tolerance
The word "patience" itself has a negative meaning.It means to suffer. We subconsciously experience unpleasant emotions in cases when people behave differently than we do, dress strangely, lead a way of life alien to us, profess unacceptable views for us. And some of us even ignite "righteous anger." But maybe we ourselves in the eyes of these other people look the same strange "renegades"? Let's think about it on November 16th. The International Day of Tolerance is called upon to emphasize once again a simple fact of life: we are all different and we are all equal. You should not demand from others to be "like everyone else" and, especially, to resort to violence. To live in a harmonious, multicultural society, it will be easier for you when you find yourself in a minority with your own views or self-identity.
How far should tolerance spread?
When the holiday was established on November 16,International Day of Tolerance, the state deliberately established and the framework of tolerance. A person is free to live as he sees fit, until his freedom to express himself does not affect the rights of other people. Thus, a bully who behaves ill-mannered (brawling, littering and insults others) cannot be an object of tolerance. Nor can society tolerate any social and political groupings that profess racial, religious and other hatred. Tolerance and pluralism are signs of a civilized society. They bring up the law. So do not be afraid to celebrate November 16 - International Day of Tolerance. Pictures that are usually shown to children in schools to commemorate this date emphasize both the difference and equality between people.
