Islam acknowledges the culture of tolerance by emphasizing the principles of human brotherhood based on recognizing and respecting others. It realizes the principle of equality among all people and establishes the foundations of justice in dealing with them, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or linguistic affiliations. Tolerance is the embodiment of adaptation, through which mutual harmony is achieved among individuals, institutions, and nations. This drives them to avoid conflict in pursuit of practical solutions while adhering to the principle of non-interference in the beliefs and actions of others, which one may dislike and seek to avoid.
Fostering a Culture of Peace
The culture of tolerance is built upon an inalienable «right» and is intricately linked to citizenship, which signifies not discriminating among people based on religious, sectarian, racial, language, or class backgrounds. The General Conference of UNESCO, in its twenty-eighth session in Paris in November 1995, adopted a comprehensive definition of tolerance, stating that tolerance is: «respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, forms of expression, and human traits. This tolerance is strengthened by knowledge, openness, communication, freedom of thought, conscience, and belief, and harmony amidst differences. It is not only a moral duty but also a political and legal obligation. Tolerance is the virtue that facilitates the values of peace and contributes to instilling a culture of peace in place of a culture of war».
In this context, tolerance is considered a practice that individuals, groups, and nations must uphold. Meanwhile, it does not imply equality, compromise, or leniency. Instead, it primarily involves taking a positive stance, affirming the rights of others to enjoy universally recognized human rights and freedoms. It is linked to responsibility, which forms the cornerstone of human rights and pluralism, including cultural diversity, democracy, and the rule of law. These concepts affirm that tolerance implies that diverse humans in their characteristics, situations, languages, conduct, and values have the right to coexist peacefully, allowing their looks to agree with their true identity. Furthermore, it signifies that one's opinions should not be imposed on others.
Enhancing Tolerance through Content
With the continually diverse perspectives and users in the digital environment, it becomes imperative to embrace tolerance as a guiding principle to ensure inclusivity, fairness, and ethical practices in presenting the digital content. As we navigate the vast information landscape, it is crucial to distinguish between content that promotes tolerance and that which perpetuates bias, ensuring that the content we share is accessible to individuals with diverse abilities, languages, and cultural backgrounds.
The construction of tolerant content on digital platforms is of utmost importance, as it fosters a sense of belonging to the community. In terms of practice and application, online forums, discussion boards, and virtual support groups provide individuals with a platform to engage with others who share similar interests or experiences. Indicators of building tolerant content serve as a compass guiding us toward a more inclusive and understanding society. They aim to enhance professional practices in producing positive content in the digital landscape. Among these indicators are:
First: Diverse Perspectives - This serves as a prime indicator for creating tolerant content. Presenting all viewpoints, even when differences arise, can be balanced to ensure the representation of diverse cultural, ethnic, national, and religious segments. By embracing diversity, fostering empathy and understanding, and breaking stereotypes, this approach amalgamates varied opinions.
Second: Inclusive Language - Language has a strong influence on shaping our perceptions and beliefs. Tolerant content avoids discriminatory or demeaning language that marginalizes specific groups or reinforces biases. It adopts inclusive language that respects all individuals, regardless of their affiliations or identities. This has a tremendous impact on creating a welcome workplace in which everyone feels valued for their perspectives and heard in their opinions.
Third: Accuracy and Credibility - This is also a crucial indicator, as creating tolerant content needs to adhere to accuracy and credibility. Misleading information and stereotypes are perilous factors contributing to increased bigotry. Hence, such content aims to provide accurate information supported by reliable sources, fact-checking before sharing any content. Commitment to truth helps halt the spread of falsehoods, fostering a culture of enlightened dialogue and understanding.
Fourth: Fostering Empathy – This is a crucial indicator in creating tolerant content which involves spotlighting personal stories and individuals' experiences from different backgrounds and struggles. Sharing these narratives humanizes the «other,» reaffirming empathy and understanding, bridging gaps between diverse cultures, and enhancing the sense of shared humanity.
Fifth: Promoting Respectful Dialogue - Tolerant content encourages open and respectful discussions where diverse viewpoints can be expressed without fear of ridicule or aggression. This creates a safe space for individuals to engage in constructive conversations, learn from one another's perspectives, and cultivate a respectful dialogue that nurtures a tolerant community embracing differences and valuing the exchange of ideas.
Conclusion
Creating tolerant content necessitates consistent efforts to address and confront any potential biases. Providing indicators for building tolerant content serves as a roadmap for individuals and organizations to contribute to building a more inclusive and understanding society. This is achieved through integrating diverse viewpoints, using inclusive language, enhancing accuracy and truthfulness, embedding empathy, encouraging respectful dialogue, and countering biases. Information has the power to shape perspectives and beliefs, thus prioritizing the creation of content that encompasses and respects all individuals.