This is an earlier version of Peter Balint Against respecting each others differences, Journal of Applied Philosophy 2013 Vol. 30 (3) 254–267. 1 Against Respecting Each Others’ Differences  Peter Balint UNSW In contrast to multicultural theory, which in discussions of respect for difference has primarily focussed on the state as the agent of respect, multicultural policy has instead tended to focus on citizens themselves as the potential agents of this sort of respect. This paper examines the plausibility of this type of respect (which is advocated by some theorists too), and argues that is not a reasonable or necessary demand. While there are several different ways of understanding respect – most of which focus on respecting persons – none seem capable of doing the work required for it to enable either the adequate or reasonable accommodation of diversity in a liberal society. More specifically, I use Darwall’s influential distinction between appraisal and reco gnition respect – the latter in a broad non-moralised sense – to make my case. While appraisal respect for difference may be theoretically easy to dismiss, it is not uncommon in multicultural policy. On the other hand, recognition respect – which is more behavioural than attitudinal – may appear a more plausible candidate. Yet it too remains overly demanding for individual citizens, especially, and most importantly in difficult cases. I conclude that tolerance of difference (coming out of respect for citizenship) is a more appropriate demand on the individual. 1. Introduction When it comes to respect for difference, much of the theory of multiculturalism has focussed on the issue of whether the state should (or should not) respect particular differences. Yet in distinct contrast, actual states and public policies have primarily had quite a different focus. Evident in both the relatively recent concern over social cohesion as well as in a number of legislative moves, is a call for citizens themselves to do this respecting of difference. 1 That is, when it comes to multicultural accommodation, many western liberal states are asking us as individual citizens to respect each others’ differences; whether this be our divergent cultural practices, lifestyles or sometimes even values. Yet this is a very different type of normative