Invicta Vlogs
Mutual Respect and Tolerance Blog
Modern life is busy, exciting, tiring at times but never dull! However, the corner stone of so many different aspects of this wonderful time that we are living in is based on very old, perhaps ancient, values and rules. Mutual respect and tolerance is the foundation of so many different things including how we communicate with others, arrangements we agree upon with others, trust being established and honour in the decisions that we make. We all have at least one thing in common and that is that we are all different. It is the differences that make up the rich tapestry of life that we are able to enjoy.
In my opinion, the majority of us seem to have a better handle on this in real life than we do when we are on digital platforms. In person we can pick up on body language, gauge someone’s tone, read the room. This becomes much more challenging when we are online. Also, when in person, it is much easier to issue an immediate apology if necessary as you are likely to identify it when you have over stepped the mark and caused offence. None of us is perfect so mistakes do happen and while growing up we do need to learn what is right and wrong. The speed at which we can identify this and correct it, although not always comfortable, is also beneficial. However, these lessons so often seem to be forgotten about when online. It seems to be, from behind the supposed anonymity and safety of a screen, that it is more likely that people say, post and share things which could easily cause offence to others.
Where we exhibit tolerance and mutual respect in the real world, I feel it is equally as important to demonstrate this in the online world. I have recently been exploring this idea with my Year 11 students and we have discussed the concept of the freedom of speech (which does not necessarily mean the freedom from consequences); hate speech; the idea of echo chambers exacerbating situations and what these students deem to be right and wrong in the online world. They have a profound understanding of what is right and wrong and they are able to explore these concepts in great depth. It has been such a privilege to explore this with the students and gain an understanding of how they see the world in which they live.
I am sure any of you reading this will appreciate the importance of tolerance and mutual respect. Therefore, what do you do if you do not feel that you are seeing this? In the real world you may be able to speak to the person directly in a calm and mature manner. If this is not possible then you would talk it through with friends or a trusted adult or perhaps discuss the issue with the Police if it were that severe. Why then do so many of us feel like our hands are tied when we experience negativity online? We can do very similar things. You can report it to the organisers of the platform upon which you experience this lack of respect and tolerance, take screen shots and discuss with trusted adult, block the individual (or individuals) or perhaps report it to the Police.
Mutual respect and tolerance are, in my opinion, the most important things for allowing debate, discussion, growth and development of new ideas. Without the security of being able to explore new ideas we would not take risks and put forward new initiatives and concepts. We could all end up being the same, making the same choices, doing the same things and I think that this would be incredibly boring.
We should all strive to be different and walk our own paths. For this to be most successful we do need to ensure that we are always demonstrating mutual respect, tolerance and of course kindness. A pleasant smile and nice hello can really make someone’s day and help everyone tackling whatever challenges they have in front of them. I hope that you experience respect and tolerance wherever and whenever you are so that you have the freedom to fly.
Mr Ehren
Deputy Head – Lower School
