When leaders and governments fail to curb such animosities, or try to exploit them, the result has been the pattern of bloody wars that have marred human history since ancient times. Some of the most hopeful moments in history have occurred when peoples have aspired to new standards that can overcome such divisions. These problems are rooted in the human condition. It is a common habit of humans and animals alike to seek others of their own kind, and to view with hostility those who are different. Civil societies must find ways to contain such destructive passions and narrow concepts of self-interest.
Nations prosper when they learn to respect pluralism.
Each nation has to find its own answers to this question, but it may be useful to look at examples from other countries and other periods of history. Both our countries are enriched by having peoples of many different races and religions with diverse cultures and traditions. And like your nation, the United States was born after a struggle for independence against colonial rule and founded on the principles of liberty, democracy and tolerance. Less happily, we both have also had to struggle throughout our histories with problems generated by intolerance and hatred. The American Civil War, the bloodiest war in U.S. history, stemmed from our inability to resolve peacefully the issue of how to treat African-Americans.