Intolerance is intolerable: Can it be tolerated anywhere?
Intolerance by itself cannot be called a dirty word: it is a word used to describe the reaction, good or bad, when what it stands against and its end result is looked at.
In the ultimate analysis, people can be divided into two categories: You and I and there are things which are common to both.
Let us first consider some of the basic things common to both: [1] they are both human [2] personality: the sum total of mind, faculties, physique, health, ability [3] similar essential needs of food, clothing and shelter [4] likes and dislikes though not necessarily of the same things [5] families and relationships [6] friends and enemies
Let us consider the differences between the two categories: [1] the degree of development of their faculties and ability [2] levels of existence - economic, social, political.
The commonality and the differences are both individual and collective – the kin group, since no individual lives in isolation . Therefore, the two categories get expanded from two persons to two groups, small or large, communities and countries.
If the human being accepts the above, he/she will realise that no two categories – persons [even identical twins] can be identical in all aspects of the human persona and so also the group persona.
Therefore, since the differences are there, they cannot be ignored, and human beings must realise that it is in their hands to choose either to accommodate each other and their differences through understanding and live in harmony and peace, or adopt an attitude of confrontation which in turn would result in the differences between the two categories widening the gap between the two into a chasm which may become unbridgeable and result in strife and conflict, with each category attempting to prevail over the other.
One has only to look at nature to realise the variety that exists and that the same species does not fight each other except over something which each is striving to get, which is not the same thing as fighting over any difference in each other.
Equally, it is well taken that humans too like variety as the "spice of life", so why not recognise variety in the human persona and the resultant expression of it? Hence the paramount need of the day is to" live and let live" and care for and share with others without succumbing to intolerance or greed and trying to deprive the other of his/her share.
Just think what a dull world it would be if we were all alike or even similar!
Equally, we well know our common humanity and must accept it as what "is" and unchangeable – not what we want it to be.
So, if one gives serious thought to our common humanity and can accept differences and variety in life, why should we be intolerant? It is irrational to be intolerant. Of course, it takes two to tango and the effort must be made by both You and I.
Is there anything about which we should be intolerant? Yes! We should be intolerant of seeing the acceptable make up of You and I, such as ethnicity, creed, caste, class, as exaggerated out of proportion and thereby as divisive elements
which must not be tolerated if we are to live a life of harmony and peace.
In the context of Sri Lanka, our common humanity must be translated and recognised by each other as being Sri Lankan above all divisive forces - which is what we are in this wonderful land, which is Yours and Mine - especially when we are awakening from decades of conflict of which the first step was intolerance. If we sincerely resolve to do so and act with tolerance and determination, we shall succeed.
Manel Abeysekera
www island.lk
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