Tolerating Political & Ideological Differences
As one so frequently hears, it is extremely important to exercise tolerance. This idea is largely encouraged by politicians, on social media, as well as in the workplace through DEI trainings and webinars. While I largely agree that tolerance is necessary for the mental health of the collective, I cannot help but notice that one particular type of tolerance is often exempt from these conversations; Tolerance of those who share different political and ideological beliefs.
We don’t hear much about that one. Tolerance is often insisted upon for those who practice different religions, are of a different race or gender, or a specified underrepresented community. However, the loud demands for tolerance are quickly quieted when discussing people whose political ideologies differ from your own. Why is that? Why are we not equally encouraged to tolerate and make space for people with whom we disagree with, politically? I ask because from my vantage point, that type of tolerance is needed more than ever.
The political temperature has continually increased all over the world, including in Canada, and it’s taking a toll on our already frayed mental health. Research has indicated that exposure to political stress and chaos has been associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Moreover, our ability to tolerate each other’s differences not only impacts our own mental health, but the health and wellbeing of society as a whole.
We can so quickly throw tolerance out the window when someone espouses different views on those hot topic items. Far too often, instead of leaning in with questions, curiousity and the desire to better understand a controversial item, we react with disparaging name calling, ad hominem attacks and stereo-typing. This only results in a growing divide within our political compass rose, which again, only worsens our individual and collective health and wellness.
I know it can be challenging, but I cannot stress enough the importance of strengthening our ability to tolerate political and ideological differences. That we strengthen our ability to listen and seek to understand, even if we do not agree. For instance, that we take the appropriate time to ask questions and understand the person’s core values that drive their opinions.
The goal is not necessarily to agree with the person. The goal is to better understand the person, to appreciate where they are coming from, and maybe even learn. The scariest thing that can happen in a democratic nation is that we stop speaking with one another. We stop engaging in rigorous debate. We stop exchanging knowledge, resource, data and research. Because when we shut down, we disconnect and we begin to ‘other’ our neighbour, our fellow citizen and our sense of morality, humanity and civility declines. Our idea of unity begins to fray, and the rich tapestry of a civil society built over generations begins to unravel. Sometimes drastically. Therefore, I would encourage that you genuinely ask yourself, are you politically tolerant? And if not, perhaps it’s something that you commit yourself to trying to strengthen. If not for yourself, then perhaps for the betterment of society as a whole.