Once again, my mom and I were discussing topics circulating through our world today, which included a disturbing trend in this generation: being all too easily offended about anything.
I think we millennials may need to develop some thicker skin. Before I offend anybody here, please know that I don't want to get political. I am not going to bash or endorse a candidate or one political/religious leaning over another, nor do I want to dismiss the very real and pressing issues our nation faces in regards to racism, immigration, terrorism, etc. I am simply speaking of my concern over an increasing oversensitiveness and intolerance to differing views and a heightened hostile environment in which to exchange ideas. Well actually, sometimes ideas aren't exchanged at all. People on both sides of the aisle just yell over each other, have an "it’s my way or the highway" mentality and even protest opposing views with violence. This just saddens me as an American who values free speech and civil discourse — emphasis on civil.
Do people really want diversity? I mean, yes, in the sense of race, sex, and gender. But do we really want diversity of ideas? Some, it seems, want diversity of ideas unless those ideas conflict with theirs. Free speech and the open forum of diverse ideas is what sets our country apart. Merriam Webster defines free speech as "the right to express information, ideas, and opinions free of government restrictions based on content and subject only to reasonable limitations (as the power of the government to avoid a clear and present danger) especially as guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution."
So when I heard of professors/students protesting Condoleezza Rice as the Rutgers commencement speaker because of her conservative views and war time decisions, it troubled me.
When I hear students at Emory University are fearful and intimidated because of some "Trump 2016" chalkings all over campus and are demanding action, counseling and safe spaces, it troubles me.
Conversely, when conservative Christians get all uppity and don't engage a culture with love or are yelling shame at women entering abortion clinics, it just troubles me.
This is not the way.
Both sides get it wrong. I don't have to agree with abortion, but I will not scream condemnation to those who choose it. I don't have to agree with Trump or condone his candidacy, but I should allow others to support him, and I surely don't need to incite violence or block people from attending his rallies. I may be offended, but I must also respect the constitutionally-protected freedom of speech of every American. I mean, we should be grateful to live in a democratic society where we can protest and dissent, where we can vote and speak our minds freely and responsibly, where we won’t get our heads chopped off for believing in God or not, or for not agreeing with the ruling power.
My parents raised me to be respectful, to value and listen to the viewpoints of others sincerely, to think critically and consider all sides, but not to compromise my personal convictions. They always said it's a good practice, when necessary, to simply agree to disagree respectfully. So let’s say I were to walk over an offensive chalking on my campus, I might just walk on and go about my day or perhaps even take to chalking an opposing candidate or words peace and love. Or I could respectfully protest if legitimate wrong has been done. I should rejoice in the freedom of expression. It shouldn't, however rock me to my core or scare me that people think differently than I do. We cannot allow lawful, differing viewpoints to freak us out or incite hate. For no matter what we believe, there will be, at some point in our lives, a time to stand up, to protest, to civilly disobey to affect change in this world, but there is also a time to stand down, to not be offended by every opposing viewpoint, to remain respectful in the midst of vast disagreements. Inciting violence to get your point across produces the opposite effect intended. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that...love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend...I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
In conclusion, I’d like to “feel the love” and see more civil discourse and academic freedom promoted on campuses across our nation. By civil discourse I mean reasonable, respectful, persuasive communication between diverse viewpoints for the purpose of civic/social change. No rudeness. No violence. True diversity of ideas. Rules of engagement that demand and promote respect. Civil discourse doesn't have to be patronizing or gushy polite, but it does mean entering a debate with some level of respect for the other side.
Ultimately, civil discourse is about changing and challenging minds and hearts and being open to yours changing in the process, too. It requires people on all sides to be open to the possibility of being wrong and allowing it to be okay to not have all the answers now. (I’m here to say I don’t. I’m only 19, for heaven’s sake!) It allows people of all races, creeds and colors to expand their understanding of each other and the world. Why, after all, should we be threatened by other ideas? Exposing students to multiple viewpoints is academic freedom. Seeing all the evidence on both sides and coming to different conclusions is okay. At least we are thinking and we can agree to disagree when all is said and done. We shouldn't be threatened or need safe spaces just because people disagree with us or have a sincere view that opposes theirs.
“Better a thousandfold abuses of free speech than the denial of free speech” — Charles Bradlaugh.
Freedom is our safe space. Without it, we are no longer free, and no longer safe.
