On Social Discourse

It seems many of us have lost the ability to have discussions with others who have different views than our own. This is sad for many reasons, not the least of which is that we cannot continue as a cohesive society without being able to share viewpoints, respect each other’s views – and their right to not only have them but to express them, and without accepting that ideas other than our own can be valid – and dare I say, better than ours. Both the far left and the far right have completely shut down to anything that doesn’t fit their narrow-minded agendas.

Thankfully, there is hope. I was reminded of this during a few heated discussions with family and friends. The topics were well into the danger zones that have caused so many to end friendships or cast-off family members – things that I have a hard time understanding. Keeping the discussions focused on the issues, really listening to understand the other person’s viewpoint, and being open to agreeing to disagree are keys to keeping such vital social discourse alive.

Is that person only your friend if he/she shares every viewpoint that you hold? Such an arrangement would make for a very boring friendship. And is having a differing perspective on an issue really grounds for breaking contact with a family member? There may be a lot of other reasons to jettison people from our lives but having a different perspective on an issue shouldn’t be one of them; at least not if we are to continue to enjoy the freedoms (speech is still one of those) that so many have fought and died for.

Those freedoms become compromised on a small scale when we can’t discuss issues among our friends and family. When that prohibition hits our schools, colleges, and universities, we risk stifling young minds that may just be the ones that could have led us back to sanity. Beyond that, when political parties embrace whatever supports their current agenda and energetically shout down all opposing viewpoints, a dangerous domino effect ripples through society.

While it has always been tough to have rational discussions about hot-button topics, it seems we as a society have devolved to the point of taking the easier path of attacking and/or shutting out those who disagree with us. The internet has accelerated this by allowing relative anonymity to those who seek to stamp out anything they deem offensive – by their own standards, not by society’s standards mind you. Is this really the direction we want to go in?

I’m getting off my soapbox now, but as you can tell this is an issue I am passionate about. So readers, I implore you to open your minds, close your mouths (at least long enough to really listen), accept that there are valid viewpoints other than your own; remember that two of the great things about this country are that we have freedom to express our ideas – even if they offend someone – and to vote for whichever candidate we choose regardless of how others feel; stay focused on the issue and not the person, and agree to disagree. You may be surprised at how much you will learn when you take the time to listen, and how little steps like these will lead to positive change.