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Let's Celebrate Not Tolerate Notes
Page: Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
British Value – Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs: Let’s Celebrate – Not Tolerate!
Activity
1.What does the word ‘tolerance’ mean to you?
2.Which of the following words is most closely related to the word ‘tolerance’? cope respect like hatred acceptance narrow-minded force clandestine appreciate persevere
3.Why did you match that word?
Definitions
TOLERANCE – noun
The ability or willingness to accept something, in particular the existence of opinions or behaviour that one does not necessarily agree with: ‘the tolerance of corruption’
synonyms: acceptance, toleration, open-mindedness, broad-mindedness, forbearance
DIFFERENT – adjective
1. Not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality: ‘you can play this game in different ways’
synonyms: dissimilar, unalike, unlike, contrasting, contrastive... antonyms: similar
2. Distinct; separate: ‘on two different occasions’
synonyms: distinct, separate, individual, discrete, independent… antonyms: similar, related
FAITH – noun
1. Complete trust or confidence in someone or something: ‘this restores one's faith in politicians'
2. Strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof: ‘bereaved people who have shown supreme faith’
2.1 A particular religion: ‘the Christian faith’
2.2 count noun A strongly held belief: ‘men with strong political faiths’
Definitions from: www.oxforddictionaries.com
Hence… let’s celebrate – not tolerate!
Tolerance and Difference
Tolerance – What feelings or images does this word conjure up for you?
Different – Different from what/whom? – There needs to be a starting point of comparison for something or someone to be ‘different’.
Think about this…
A lion is ‘different’ from a domestic (pet) cat. You can see it is different – different sizes, different diets, different habitats and different relationships with humans. Same classification family, though: cats.
Why not start with the pet cat being ‘different’ from a lion?
Why put the lion first?
If we categorised ‘difference’ alphabetically, then the domestic cat would come first in the comparison!
The same goes for this particular British value – tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
Think about this…
- ‘Different’ from whom/what?
- Who exactly is doing the tolerating?
In schools/colleges across Britain, learners will be taught about a variety of faiths, religions and cultures from all around the world. Learners will also participate in celebrations of diverse faiths/cultures, including British culture.
This is particularly true for school-aged learners through lessons such as RE, PHSCE and Citizenship Studies. Many places of learning also engage in educational visits to places of worship, including virtual visits.
Britain is a culturally diverse and religiously diverse society. Most people feel that this is one of the things that is fantastic about Britain!
This gives opportunity to experience a variety of faiths and cultures. You should understand that many societies across the world don’t have such diversity or opportunity to experience it.
What Does Prejudice Mean…?
Prejudice – noun
1. Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience: ‘English prejudice against foreigners’ ‘deep-rooted class prejudices’
1.1 Dislike, hostility, or unjust behaviour deriving from preconceived and unfounded opinions: ‘accusations of racial prejudice’
2. Law. Harm or injury that results or may result from some action or judgement: ‘prejudice resulting from delay in the institution of the proceedings’
verb 1. Give rise to prejudice in (someone); make biased: ‘the statement might prejudice the jury’
from: www.oxforddictionaries.com
Britain Is A Relatively Peaceful, Diverse Society!
In order to maintain this paradigm, it is crucial that as a family of British citizens we overcome any prejudices about people who may be different in some way to ourselves.
Prejudice can be potentially very damaging and at times lead to feelings of ‘hate’.
The British value of the ‘rule of law’ does not allow hate to flourish in any form.
Prejudice-based hate (or any other type of hatred) has no place in a peaceful society.
Religion and Belief
‘Religion and belief’ is one of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Everyone in Britain has the freedom to choose and hold any faith or belief and these are protected in law. ‘Hating’ others for their beliefs is not protected in law. The law protects victims of hate crime.
Meanings: Religion has the meaning usually given to it but belief includes religious and philosophical beliefs, including lack of belief (e.g. atheism). Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the legal definition.
Equality Act 2010, UK Parliament, 2010
Celebrate – Not Tolerate
Britain is a relatively peaceful, diverse society! Prejudice-based hate has no place in a peaceful society.
This is also why we should all celebrate – not tolerate!
Celebrating Britain’s cultural and religious diversity enables us all to live peacefully as part of such a diverse society, aware of one another’s lifestyle and choices, even if they are not the lifestyle choices for ourselves.
Activity
Can you think of a more appropriate phrase than ‘tolerance’?
What would you name this particular British value? Why?
Do you think ‘tolerance’ is an appropriate word? Why / why not?
Or click 'Enter' key!