I try to be an understanding person, but that doesn’t mean I’ll blindly agree with people just to get along with them. Each of us has a unique perspective, but it is possible to disagree with someone and remain respectful, although I may not respect the opinion itself. I respectfully agree to disagree on many issues, but it is by no means easy. For example, let's get one thing straight, I am not for Donald Trump, nor do I particularly approve of people who are. With that said, I will continue to treat people that stand by him with respect. Can you imagine if people were outright disrespectful to every person who had opposing morals and values? There would be chaos.
The upcoming election is controversial and has created many heated discussions. I have noticed particularly on social media people are publicly, and at times offensively, stating their beliefs. To be entirely honest, I have had to unfollow a fair amount of people over the course of the election, not because of opposing opinions, but because of the manner in which they are stated and the little room left for argument or disagreement.
It is OK to have different opinions. But it is also important to be able to accept that others may disagree. Debate is important. It is key to understand that debate is not meant to be disrespectful or hurtful, but productive and educational. Debate sparks conversation and leaves room for constructive opinions.
Making an extreme statement one way or the other on a controversial topic doesn’t necessarily make you right; instead it can make you seem naïve and possibly not willing to listen to anyone and then be educated on the opposing position.
It’s imperative to recognize that opinions are not facts. Opinions are preferences or judgment for or against something. An opinion may be massively shared among a community or solely by myself. Either way, they cannot be confirmed other than the fact that I or a group of people believe it. It is important when publicly stating an opinion that you have evidence and an argument to back it up rather than making an empty statement.
Even if you don’t agree with someone, listening to their reasons can ultimately introduce you to a new perspective. We shouldn’t have to censor our beliefs. We should however remember there is a fine line between debate and disrespectfully bashing someone for their opposing opinions.
It’s also important to try and understand others' views and how they were formed. People come from different backgrounds and cultures with different parental views. For example, I was raised in a very liberal part of the country by liberal parents. My environment has shaped my beliefs. Try putting yourself in others shoes and ask yourself if you’d have similar beliefs if you were raised the same way.
I do not want to discourage you from being an individual and standing up for what you believe is right. But I do want to encourage you to be understanding of others when they think differently. Your opinion matters, and so do others'. Different opinions are healthy. They provide balance. The reason the world grows and progresses is because someone had a different idea.
Everyone has an opinion. Will you always agree with them? No, just as others won't always agree with you. Being respectful of someone’s opinions does not mean you agree with them.
At the end of the day, opinions can always be changed. Stay true to your morals and beliefs and work to empower others while changing the world.
