It’s the start of a new year and we all know what that means: resolutions. I challenge you to make one of your resolutions to become a more tolerant and understanding individual.
Whether it’s face-to-face or online, human interaction is inevitable unless you’re a hermit. I have learned in my short years that not everyone thinks exactly the same. This may be as shocking to some of you as it was to me. Sadly, freshman year I was made a fool of my philosophy course. Here’s a little bit of advice, study up on logical fallacies.
You will walk past hundreds of students in the Quad and sit next to many in class. I believe that small steps are indeed giant leaps, and I encourage you to greet these new acquaintances and peers with a “good day.” Now, where that leads is anyone’s guess. If, by chance, it leads to a rousing conversation on religion or politics, then remember my words.
I’m not going to say that I have become more open-minded in recent times. This generation’s open-mindedness ends when confronted with anything people they’ve deemed as close-minded have to say. It’s hypocritical and works against the betterment of one’s self.
It’s easy to just say “humbug” at the first utterance of a different idea. Although, by shutting out the input and opinions of another, we miss out on new information. Typically, learning tends to make you intelligent and better rounded. Not only that, but if you want to convince someone of your beliefs then you’re going to have to speak with them and most importantly, listen to them.
If you put forth the effort and listen to their take on the matter, chances are they’ll listen to yours. Perhaps that individual who was once on the fence has now stepped down onto your side.
If they were opposite, maybe he or she couldn’t get to your side faster. If you do honestly open up to all angles, even just for that instance, you may find yourself stepping down too. It might be on the side that you never considered being on before.
There are plenty of subjects to disagree on in the world, but the ones that can be agreed on deserve the most time and effort. For example, Party A believes that homosexual marriage should be allowed in all 50 states. Party B says the opposite.
However, poverty and hunger doesn’t seem to acknowledge sexual orientation. Therefore, both parties can at least agree homelessness is a problem. Party A and B then go to their local shelter and serve warm meals to those in need regardless of orientation, religion or race.
If the people in charge of a job are arguing over whose way to do it is best, then no one is accomplishing any work.
However, differing opinions have resulted in great human achievements. Mark Twain said it best: “It were not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races.”
Everyone is going to root for one team or the other and it comes down to being a good sport while still maintaining your beliefs. Don’t take opposition personally. Instead, find a way to use it for something positive and remember that a grudge is cancerous.
The New Year will bring all sorts of encounters and opportunities. You’re certain to hear something that you disagree with. A closed mind is a product of closed ears.
If this resolution, like many others we attempt, proves too challenging, and you can’t manage opening your ears, then it is best for you to close your mouth too and simply lend a hand.
Justin Stafford is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from Walker, La.