ESCS Seminar Discusses Tolerance, Prejudice, and the Role of Communication

Academic event brought together students, faculty, and specialists to reflect on building a more just and conscious society.

Generic image of a group of students and a speaker debating in a modern auditorium, with subtle communication symbols in the background.
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Generic image of a group of students and a speaker debating in a modern auditorium, with subtle communication symbols in the background.

The Escola Superior de Comunicação Social (ESCS) hosted the open seminar "(In)tolerable: change the story" on October 13, 2026, dedicated to reflecting on tolerance, prejudice, and the role of communication.

The event, of an academic and scientific nature, gathered students, faculty, and specialists to discuss issues such as the limits of tolerance and the influence of prejudice on how we perceive others. The initiative explored how communication can contribute to a more just and conscious society.
The first part of the seminar featured João Garrido, a specialist in brand strategy and communication, who presented on "Stories that change stories: brands, communication, and tolerance." The discussion was inspired by quotes on the power of collective action and pragmatic idealism.
Throughout the session, João Garrido shared experiences and reflections, stimulating debate on the meaning of tolerance and how prejudices influence our judgments. An open discussion, moderated by Helena Figueiredo Pina, the course instructor, delved deeper into these questions.
The role of creativity and storytelling in transforming perceptions was also highlighted. João Garrido challenged students to build stories from a set of objects, demonstrating how narrative can imbue common elements with new meanings. The Branding & Storytelling Team Project "Tolerance: change the story" was also launched.
Following the plenary sessions, optional exploratory meetings were held to delve into the issues raised, fostering an environment of dialogue and shared opinions. These contributions aim to inform the development of a future research project.
The Technical-Scientific Committee, comprising Helena Figueiredo Pina, Cláudia Silvestre, Susana Araújo, and João Garrido, convened to analyze the seminar's contributions. The initiative reinforced ESCS's commitment to training that values the technical, strategic, and social awareness of future professionals.
Based on information from the official source: ESCS - Escola Superior de Comunicação Social (UPL) (20/10/2026)