It’s not easy staying positive during times of struggle. And it’s even more difficult to stay positive when a community feels like it’s fighting against itself. When opinions divide us and we stop listening to each other, that’s when we all need to take a step back and reflect inwardly. Not on our own beliefs, but what is believed by those with whom we disagree.
We need to start using our ability as humans to think critically. What does that mean? Well, it means stepping outside your own viewpoint for a moment to try to critically understand where someone else is coming from. Let another viewpoint sink in for a minute; you might be surprised what you discover. That doesn’t mean to abandon all your ideals or morals, not in the least. But listening and thinking critically about the information you receive could perhaps change your perspective if you quiet your argument down for even just a moment. It could change an argument into a conversation.
There is no doubt that morals, laws and religion lead us to what we feel is right or wrong. And these morals or convictions spark passion in us. Sometimes that passion comes out in anger and frustration with those who refuse to respond to what we believe is a well-thought out argument. But keep in mind, that same passion lives inside those with opposing views. They too feel they are right and valid. Judgments are easy to make. In fact, it’s a lot easier to judge than it is to sit down and listen to the views of the people with whom you don’t agree. However, being able to do so shows strength, maturity and a desire to communicate effectively.
However, there are times when an opinion is no longer an opinion but an insult to a certain race or religion. When it becomes personal and filled with no factual arguments, when the views are based on biases and fears, that’s when teaching becomes so important. It’s not always apparent to the privileged crowd when an opinion stated is a racial slur, or when judgments and assumptions are being made based on the color of someone’s skin. When this occurs, it is the job of the allies to stand up and show through their critical-thinking skills how those judgments hold no merit and how much damage they cause to a community, to a race and most importantly, to our children.
Opinions are not wrong to have, and we should be able to have conversations with those who see things differently than us. Just make sure you’ve taken time to critically think about what you believe because it might be less of an opinion and more of a biased, uneducated and damaging judgment.