"Proving to his wife that women talk more than men, a husband showed her a study indicated that men use on average only fifteen thousand words a day, whereas women use thirty thousand words a day.'Well,' she commented calmly, 'that’s because women have to repeat everything they say when talking to men.''What?' the husband responded.""Tolerance is about acceptance and respect for differences, promoting peaceful coexistence without necessarily requiring active engagement or support. On the other hand, Solidarity is about unity, active support, and collective action towards common goals, often driven by a sense of empathy and interdependence," said Cananga while looking at a flock of birds flying and rounding the Kaaba. Those birds were flying around the Kiblah in an orderly way and none of them left their positions to fly across the Kaaba. Birds flying in formation share the effort and energy needed to reach their destination. They symbolize how individuals in solidarity support each other to achieve common goals more efficiently and effectively."Solidarity is a concept that signifies unity, mutual support, and a sense of community among individuals or groups who share common interests, goals, or values. It involves a commitment to stand together and support each other, especially in the face of challenges or adversities.Unity and Cohesion are one of the key aspects to understanding the concept of Solidarity. Solidarity emphasizes the importance of sticking together as a unified group. This unity often arises from shared experiences, goals, or struggles. The other key is mutual support which involves actively supporting and helping one another, often in ways that go beyond mere obligation or self-interest. Next are shared values and goals where members of a group exhibiting solidarity usually share common values, goals, or interests, which bind them together. Empathy and compassion are other keys of Solidarity. It is rooted in empathy and compassion, recognizing the interconnectedness of people and the importance of standing by each other in times of need. The last key is that solidarity often leads to collective action, where individuals or groups come together to pursue common objectives or to resist common threats.Solidarity can manifest in various contexts, such as social, political, economic, and cultural realms. In social and political contexts, solidarity can be seen in movements where people unite to fight for rights, justice, or social change, such as the Civil Rights Movement or the labour union movement. Global Solidarity can extend across borders, where individuals or nations support each other in international issues, like humanitarian aid, climate change actions, or global health crises. Within communities, solidarity may manifest in the form of neighbourhood support networks, community organizing, or collective responses to local challenges. Worker Solidarity in the workplace can involve collective bargaining, striking, or supporting colleagues in disputes with management to improve working conditions or wages. Groups may express solidarity based on cultural, ethnic, or religious commonalities, supporting each other in preserving and developing good traditions, facing discrimination, or advocating for rights.There are some challenges to Solidarity. It can be challenging in diverse groups where interests or priorities may differ. External forces, such as economic pressures or social divides, can strain or undermine solidarity. Keeping the momentum and commitment to mutual support over the long term can be difficult, especially when immediate threats or challenges subside.Overall, solidarity is a vital component of social life that fosters cooperation, mutual support, and collective action, contributing to the well-being and advancement of communities and societies. Solidarity is like a band of brothers and sisters, where a group of people bound by mutual loyalty and commitment, willing to stand together and support each other like family. Solidarity can be seen as the threads that weave together the fabric of society, holding it together through mutual support, cooperation, and shared values. Individuals in solidarity help each other thrive and withstand adversity, like the interconnected roots of a forest, which share nutrients and support each other.Solidarity often symbolized as a hand-in-hand circle, portrays people holding hands in a circle, symbolizing inclusivity, unity, and mutual support, standing together to face challenges or celebrate achievements. Solidarity acts as a guiding light, providing direction and support in times of trouble, and helping individuals navigate through difficult circumstances together. Just as branches of a family tree are connected and support one another, people in solidarity are interconnected and provide mutual support, reinforcing each other’s strengths. Individuals in solidarity coordinate their efforts towards a common goal, emphasizing teamwork and harmony, like a rowing team working in unison to move a boat efficiently.Mutual Support and Aid are one of the key principles of Solidarity. It involves a commitment to helping and supporting one another. This support can be material, emotional, or social, ensuring that everyone within the group can rely on each other in times of need. For example, community members come together to provide aid during a natural disaster. Another key is Interdependence. Recognizing that individuals and groups are interconnected and that one’s well-being is linked to the well-being of others. This principle highlights the importance of cooperative relationships and shared responsibilities. For instance, workers support each other in a labour strike to improve conditions for all.Solidarity is based on treating all members with equal respect and dignity, ensuring that everyone has an equal voice and opportunity to participate in collective actions. Solidarity is to ensure marginalized voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.Solidarity is rooted in the pursuit of common objectives and the recognition of shared interests, which unite individuals or groups towards collective action. Environmental activists unite to combat climate change.The key to Solidarity is to demonstrate empathy and compassion by understanding and sharing the feelings and experiences of others, which fosters a deeper connection and commitment to mutual support. Standing in solidarity with those who are facing injustice or hardship. Solidarity emphasizes the responsibility of the group to look out for each member’s well-being and to work collectively towards the common good, rather than focusing solely on individual gain. Communities collectively ensure that no one goes hungry or homeless.Active engagement and participation are also the key to Solidarity. Encouraging active involvement and participation from all members, ensuring that everyone contributes to and benefits from collective efforts. Engaging in community organizing and volunteer activities.Solidarity in diversity that values and embraces diversity within the group, recognizing that different perspectives and experiences enrich the collective and strengthen unity, such as multicultural groups working together on shared social justice initiatives.Commitment to advocating for justice and equitable treatment for all members of society, and striving to eliminate discrimination and inequality is the key of Solidarity as well. Solidarity supports movements that fight for equal rights and fair treatment across different social, economic, and political spheres.Reciprocity and Trust such as community members trading services or resources in a mutually beneficial manner are also key to Solidarity. Building relationships based on mutual trust and reciprocity, where members can depend on each other and work together effectively.Emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts and long-term commitment to supporting each other and maintaining solidarity, even beyond immediate challenges is part of the key of Solidarity. For example, continuing support and advocacy for a cause even after initial goals have been achieved.While promoting unity, solidarity respects the autonomy and individuality of each member, recognizing and valuing their unique contributions and perspectives. For instance, supporting individual initiatives that contribute to the broader collective goals.Demonstrating courage to stand up for others and resilience to persist in the face of adversity, reinforces the strength and solidarity of the group is covered in the key of Solidarity. For example, advocacy and protest in the face of political repression or social injustice.In social and community contexts, Solidarity principles are applied in community organizing, support networks, and grassroots movements where collective action is needed to address local issues or support vulnerable populations. Solidarity principles guide the efforts of social and political movements that aim to achieve justice, equality, and rights for various groups, fostering unity and collective power. In economic contexts, principles of solidarity are critical for ensuring fair treatment, equitable distribution of resources, and mutual support among workers or members of labour unions and cooperative businesses. Solidarity principles are essential in international relations and global humanitarian efforts, where collaboration and mutual support are necessary to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and human rights violations.By adhering to these principles, groups and individuals can build strong, cohesive, and supportive communities that are capable of facing challenges together and working towards shared goals.Solidarity refers to a deep sense of unity and mutual support among individuals or groups who share common interests, values, or goals. It involves active engagement and a commitment to help and support each other. Tolerance refers to the willingness to accept and permit the existence of opinions, behaviours, or beliefs that one may disagree with or find objectionable. It is often characterized by a passive acceptance or non-interference.Tolerance is passive, while solidarity is active. Solidarity involves active engagement and participation, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and mutual aid. Members in solidarity are often deeply involved in each other’s lives and causes. For instance, people participate in a community project to support the homeless. Tolerance generally involves passive acceptance or non-interference. It does not necessarily require active involvement or support for the beliefs or practices being tolerated. For example, not interfering with someone practising a different cultural tradition. Persecution in religion is neither tolerance nor solidarity because it will give rise to hatred, resistance and conflict.Solidarity requires a deeper connection and commitment to mutual support and shared goals. It is built on empathy, compassion, and a sense of interdependence. Tolerance requires a level of respect and acceptance of differences but does not necessitate a deep connection or mutual support. It is often more about coexisting peacefully despite differences.Solidarity aims to create a stronger collective force to address common challenges, achieve shared goals, and support one another in times of need. It focuses on unity and collective action. Tolerance aims to allow diverse perspectives and practices to coexist without conflict or oppression. It focuses on maintaining peace and respect for individual differences.Solidarity often applies to groups or communities united by common interests, values, or struggles. It can involve local, national, or global levels of collective action and support. Tolerance applies to the acceptance of individual or group differences in beliefs, practices, or behaviours within a society or community. It is typically concerned with peaceful coexistence rather than collective action.Solidarity involves active support and standing together with others in solidarity, often requiring action to support and advocate for shared causes. Tolerance involves a passive stance, where one does not necessarily support but allows for the existence of differing views or practices.Solidarity is emotionally and ethically driven by empathy, compassion, and a sense of justice. It often involves personal sacrifice and a strong sense of moral duty. Tolerance is more about respect and acceptance of differences, focusing on peaceful coexistence rather than emotional involvement or ethical commitment to support. Solidarity can lead to important social change and empowerment by uniting people around common causes and providing collective strength to address issues. Tolerance maintains social harmony and reduces conflict by allowing diverse perspectives and practices to exist without interference.For example, in a community, solidarity is practised when neighbours come together to help rebuild a house that was destroyed in a fire. Tolerance exists when neighbours allow different landscaping choices or noise levels without complaining. In politics, solidarity is applied when political groups work together to advocate for a shared cause like environmental protection. Tolerance is exercised when allowing opposing political views to be expressed freely without suppression. In the workplace, solidarity comes into play when employees band together to demand fair wages and better working conditions. Tolerance is handled when allowing colleagues to have differing work habits or dress styles without judgment.In essence, solidarity is about unity, active support, and collective action towards common goals, often driven by a sense of empathy and interdependence. Tolerance, on the other hand, is about acceptance and respect for differences, promoting peaceful coexistence without necessarily requiring active engagement or support. Both are crucial for fostering inclusive and harmonious societies, but they operate on different levels of engagement and depth of relationship.The relationship between solidarity and tolerance is complex and can vary depending on the context. Both are essential for fostering harmonious and inclusive societies, but their interplay and precedence can differ based on the situation. In diverse communities, tolerance often comes first. It serves as a foundation by allowing individuals to coexist peacefully despite their differences. This acceptance and respect for diversity are crucial initial steps that make it possible to build deeper connections and eventually achieve solidarity. In contexts where people already share common goals or face similar challenges, solidarity might come first. The unity and collective action in support of shared objectives can foster a climate of mutual respect and understanding, leading to greater tolerance of individual differences within the group.Tolerance can be seen as a foundational ethical principle. It’s essential for creating an environment where differences are respected and coexistence is possible. This environment can then nurture solidarity as people begin to appreciate their shared humanity and common interests. Solidarity can act as a catalyst that brings people together, fostering deeper understanding and empathy, which in turn leads to greater tolerance. When people stand together in solidarity, they often learn to appreciate and tolerate the diversity within their group.In resolving conflicts, tolerance is crucial to allow for dialogue and understanding. It provides the groundwork for building the solidarity needed to address and resolve the underlying issues. In social movements, solidarity among individuals with a common cause is often the driving force. This solidarity can foster a culture of tolerance as diverse participants learn to respect and support each other’s different backgrounds and experiences.In contexts where common goals or shared challenges are central, solidarity might come first, uniting people in collective action and fostering a deeper sense of community and mutual respect. This unity can then lead to greater tolerance of individual differences. In contexts where diversity and difference are prominent, tolerance often comes first as it allows for peaceful coexistence and respect for varied perspectives. This initial acceptance lays the groundwork for building deeper connections and eventual solidarity.Ultimately, the precedence of solidarity or tolerance depends on the specific context and the dynamics at play. Both are vital for creating inclusive, supportive, and harmonious societies.We're still moving on to the next episode, biidhnillah."
Citations & References:
- Leah Hunt-Hendrix & Astra Taylor, Solidarity: The Past, Present, and Future of a World-Changing Idea, 2024, Pantheon Books
- Eva Kassoti & Narin Idriz (Eds.), The Principle of Solidarity: International and EU Law Perspectives, 2023, Springer
- Avery Kolers, A Moral Theory of Solidarity, 2016, Oxford University Press
- Amy Coplan & Peter Goldie (Eds.), Empathy: Philosophical and Psychological Perspectives, 2011, Oxford University Press
- Anthony M. Clohesy, Politics of Empathy: Ethics, Solidarity, Recognition, 2013, Routledge
- Michael Hechter, Principles of Group Solidarity, 1987, University of California Press
- Wendy Brown & Rainer Forst, The Power of Tolerance: A Debate, 2014, Columbia University Press
- Melissa S. Williams & Jeremy Waldron, Toleration and Its Limits, 2008, New York University Press
- Susan Mendus (Ed.), The Politics of Toleration: Tolerance and Intolerance in Modern Life, 2013, Edinburgh University Press
- Susan Mendus (Ed.), Justifying Toleration: Conceptual and Historical Perspectives, 1988, Cambridge University Press
