Tolerance: The Strength of a Society That Disagrees with Respect

Tolerance does not require us to abandon our convictions; it asks us to reject humiliation and exclusion and to protect human dignity in dialogue.

We live in a country where people from many cultures, languages and backgrounds meet. In a society like this, tolerance is not only an admirable moral idea; it becomes a necessary social skill for everyday life.

The UAE National Tolerance Programme strengthens coexistence, respect and acceptance of others, while “We the UAE 2031” places cohesion, harmony and tolerance among the characteristics of an advanced society. But what does tolerance look like outside official texts?

Tolerance does not remove difference

One idea that needs clarification is that tolerance does not mean agreeing about everything. If complete agreement were required, there would be no need for tolerance in the first place.

Tolerance appears when we differ in opinion, custom or background and then decide that the other person’s dignity does not depend on agreeing with us. I can say “I disagree” without saying “You are worth less.”

Respecting a person does not mean accepting wrong behaviour

There is also a difference between tolerance and leniency. A society can be tolerant while remaining committed to law, rights and boundaries. Rejecting abuse or discrimination does not contradict tolerance; it protects the space in which everyone can live with respect.

The language with which we build coexistence

Disagreement often escalates before reaching the substance of the issue because of language. Phrases such as “You people always…” move the discussion from an idea to an identity and make the other person feel rejected as a whole.

More respectful language is specific:

• “I disagree with this idea because…”
• “My experience has been different…”
• “Could you explain why you see it that way?”
• “We agree on this point and differ on the other.”

These are not empty courtesies. They are tools for keeping dialogue possible.

Tolerance begins with curiosity

We sometimes fear what we do not understand. A respectful question about a culture or custom may remove many assumptions. Human curiosity differs from intrusion: the aim is to learn, not to judge.

At the same time, no one should be expected to serve permanently as a representative of their culture or explain private matters when they do not wish to do so.

The family’s role

Children quickly notice how adults speak about people who are different. When jokes are based on nationality, language or appearance, we send a message more powerful than any lesson about tolerance.

A family can strengthen tolerance by:

• Reading stories from different cultures.
• Introducing children to the diversity of society.
• Correcting generalisations calmly.
• Teaching them to ask respectfully.
• Rejecting bullying even when it targets someone who is not present.

Digital tolerance

Platforms make a quick response easy and sometimes weaken our awareness that there is a person behind the screen. Before posting an angry comment, ask: would I use the same words if this person were standing in front of me? Am I criticising the idea or attacking the person’s identity?

Choosing not to share content that promotes hatred or ridicules a group is also a practice of tolerance.

A strong society, not an identical society

The strength of society does not come from making everyone the same. It comes from enabling people who differ to live, work and cooperate under shared values that protect rights and dignity.

Tolerance is not weakness in one’s position. It requires self-confidence, awareness of language and the ability to regulate reaction. In that sense, it is both personal and social strength: we disagree, but we do not lose our humanity.