Of all the societies in history, which was the most tolerant of minorities in its midst?

Question

Please state why you chose the society you favor.

For those of you who favor India, can you comment on the Caste System and how it relates to tolerance?

For those of you who favor Canada, can you supply a reason for your preference?

Regarding the references to book authors, I assume that the correct spellings are
* Dinesh D'Souza
* John Gardner Wilkinson
I couldn't find much online for Wilkinson, though he was famous in his day. I've heard of D'Souza and found him persuasive.

For those of you who favor the Ottoman Empire, could you address the issue of Devshirmeh (the "blood tax" where Crhistian boys were forced into slavery) plus issues of forced conversion to Islam?

Answer 1

For the past I might consider the Persian Empire (no doubt a misguided choice as there are many others who are more liberal). The Persians, (Nebuchadnezzar II was Babylonaian and not of Persia) like any people in a position of power considered themselves superior (whether that is bad or not is irrelevant unless it results in the persecution that this question would most likely condemn). Their system of governing was simple, pay attention to the locals customs and then keep (underline KEEP!! even by force if need be) them. The Persian allowed all religious practice to continue (In the same manner the pagan Romans did with the exception of a few examples). Persia left all temples standing in conquered nations, with only one exception in Babylon (Athens is not included though I believe they left the temples but at least they left the Oracle of Delphi and did not sack that, unlike the Phokians) and there was no religious/ social pressure to change. It is true the Persians forced tribute on a conquered nation but the did so equally. The interesting thing about the Persian style of governing is on a few occasions (Ionian Revolt) they tried too hard to make sure traditional governments stayed in place, which often followed in civil unrest. After such unrest the Persians seem to get the idea. I also considered Islamic Spain for being one of the only tolerant haven for the Jews, and the fact they even tolerated Christians. Or even Romulus's vagabond safe haven........

However as a serious awnser to this question, were I look to our present age (and of all ages) I would choose New Zealand and of all the societies. New Zealand is a small country with a population of four million. This gives it a advantage over many others. New Zealand was also the first nation to give woman the vote, it has legalized prostitution and was one of the first nations to allow gay marriages. In that regard due to New Zealands liberal politcal policy it is kinder to its own peoples. New Zealand also is a strong supporter of Green Peace and Animal rights as well as humans. New Zealand has openly opposed the war in Iraq due to its illegal status and other reasons that the population have bought to its attention, which I need not go into. New Zealand sends a very large amount of aid overseas (for its size), to Indonesia most recently and even to the United States for the New Orleans(as Helen Clarke reasons other than a kinda gesture...?). New Zealand and its population are fairly open to foreigners. New Zealand accepts a large amount of immigrants. New Zealand promotes cutural awareness in its local policy and a few examples are the recent criticism of the Popes Anti- Islam comment and its open immigration policy. This stance has made New Zealand a non- target to Islamic groups.
New Zealand has a series of worlds first a green and open policy that speaks for itself. It has no doubt done this by its liberal education that has been maximized by its small population. As one may guess I am a New Zealander so perhaps I am biased in some way (!) but nonetheless the liberal nature of the Island is clear evidence, we even have a female prime- minister. The governement has stressed over and over again that the minorites are all New Zealanders and the population believe it, primarily due to a very large Atheist population that a country that is overly Christian (United States is one example of a nation where religion is large part of its society thus it way of thought, another to the extreme would be NAZI Germany which based around Jewish persecution, also Islamic nations like Saudi Arabia where the society and religion are inseperable) are unable to diversify or as tolerant as Atheism. For its size New Zealand has a diverse range of cultures and religions. The society has readily accepted them all without discrimination, the best part however is that the word minority, is not accepted by the bulk of the population ( I will not deny those few, whom are present in all societies) and assimilation is all to present. All New Zealanders

Answer 2

Believe it or not, there was some ancient cultures that achieved a great deal of cosmopolitan tolerance. Ancient Alexandria for one. Toledo and the whole Western Caliphate were very tolerant of both christians and jews, which seems to be a little unique in islamic history. But if I had to pick, I'd say it was California, just after if became U.S. territory and before it became a state. Under General Sherman's military governship, some of the harshest anti slave legislation was enacted. And the quota laws against asian immigrants hadn't been passed yet. The Yankee dons who had taken mexican citizenship got on well with for the most part with the native californios. And although most indians had been eliminated by European diseases and the slavery of the Mission Fathers, those that were left were not treated too badly. On admissions day (the day California became at State, a british reporter wrote a piece about the parade in San Francisco. Every group was represented with a float. And while bigotry and animosity was certainly present between factions, it never erupted in violence. For the time, that's saying quite a lot.

Answer 3

Very difficult question -- does anyone know enough to answer it? Sure, America does better than many. We're doing pretty well in London today, too. The Ottoman Empire makes some sense as an answer in its early years (c 1500) ~ not in the 19th century though when Greeks were forced to become Muslim or lose preferment or land. I disagree 100% about the Roman Empire though, it was run by bullies and terrorists and anyone who rebelled against them was killed, even whole tribes like in south Wales. Or scattered like the Jews to prevent them troublemaking.

Take a look at India under Emperor Ashok (was the caste system fossilised into a hereditary one yet then?). Take a look at the Persian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. And consider also Ireland under the Brehon Laws (before the Christians came).

Answer 4

American of course since our society does not have a defined ethic group etc. European as second for the 'mixers', because they had and still have them. And when we had minorities we didn’t eat them so that rules out every other area except ME, India and Asia (to my knowledge). Asia has been overrun by Asiatics (look up the red haired mummies, Ainu and aboriginal tribes) to the point where you have to say Han rather than another ethnic group. India I think rather segregated all into various groups so that while it may be bad at least you’re alive, so maybe they come in second. Arabs and Islam sheesh I don’t think that needs a comment just look at current demographics and tell me where the people went (or destroyed world heritage). Now there may be other Aboriginal groups - Australian? that are more accepting, but of course their isolation kept them from showing it (also from being overrun)

Answer 5

Without a doubt it has to be India.

There are 22 official 'scheduled' languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Marathi, Meitei, Nepali, Oriya, Eastern Panjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu. We have more than a 1400 dialects..

Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism were born and flourished in India. Indian has a larger Muslim Population than its neighbour Pakistan.

Indian presently has a Muslim President, A Sikh Prime Minister and a Roman Catholic leader of the Governing Party - and a Hindu Opposition Party in Parliament while the country is actually a Majority Hindu state.

The Parsi community was given shelter in India and allowed to practise their relegion in peace when the came to India from Iran after their persecution by Alexander.

Indian has a Jewish community (probably the largest outside of Israel).

Everyone here is a minority - but living together (albeit with our own problems) as a cohesive whole!

Answer 6

Wonder if you should focus question more on societies with a bunch of minorities or immigrant groups present - could be a lot of societies that were quite tolerant just due to lack of much exposure.

Also might consider how competitive the various societies were in terms of getting/having enough resources. I tend to think that a lot of intolerance comes from fighting over resources.

Answer 7

I'd consider it to be the Romans. Their empire stretched from England to the Middle East, and many of the locals were elevated to high positions and classified as Roman citizens. They had slaves, but the slaves were usually criminals or debtors, not chosen by nationality. They had emperors who were of other races, and despite what you see in the movies, they usually had good relationships with most of their subjects because they brought luxuries and the Roman peace. Nero blamed the Christians for the burning of Rome, but he was a tyrant all around, even killing members of his own family.

Answer 8

I believe the most tolerant society in history would be the ancient egyptians. their history is full of many pharohs that were conquers , they were famous for knowledge and art, these are because they integrated many different races of people throughout their reigns,usually peacefully.they have proven that their workers were generally treated rather well. they also had many different fesivities and holidays. a good resource for some of this is The Ancient Egyptians Their Life And customs by Sir J Gardener Williamson.

Answer 9

USA - at present.

As Dalip D'Souza says in his book "What's so great about America" - US is the only country where a person can come from anywhere on this planet and within a short-time assimilate to the point where they can call themselves "American" - they feel American, they adopt the American dream, they start thinking like Americans.

There has never been another country and there isn't any other country even today where that can happen. You can go live in China, France, UK, Australia - anywhere - and live as long as you want - but you will never become "Chinese", "French", "British", or "Australian".

Answer 10

I would beg to differ with Zak D and wonder where he got his info from (about Australia)
The minorities in America have it much much much worse - even an Australian knows that!!!!

I have no idea on this but as a guess I'd say Canada.