Resolving conflicting issues in a pluralistic society, tolerance or respect

Multiracial society are often faced with issues of differences between races or nations that exist therein. Differences might happen in any issues such politic, economic, religion and so on. In certain cases, these differences may lead to clashes and complicated conflicts. Many are looking for the ways to reconcile the differences. The concept of 'tolerance' is one way to ease the problems of differences that arise, but there is a dispute about its suitability, and the concept of 'respect' is proposed as a more practical concept in solving problems between the races. There are discussion regarding the meaning of both words that turned to be a concept used in the context. This study aims to examine the meaning of each words literally, thus further examine the aspects of terminological meanings tolerance and respect in order to find the better concept which is more practical and comprehensive in addressing these issues. This paper uses the research method of semantic and content analysis to assess a more appropriate concept. The study found that the concept of tolerance is more comprehensive and practical as it includes the concept of respect. In short, the concept of tolerance cannot be practiced in the absence of the ideal of respect for different individuals and the issues raised.