With presidential debates and primaries in the eye of the media, many of our news feeds are filled with opinionated shares and posts. That’s one of the great things about this country: that we as individuals can form our own opinions. But we could use a little work when it comes to other opinions. As college students, we like to think that we are always open to new ideas and information. Yet, most of us strictly identify as liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican. These two parties may not have much common ground in their platforms, but they do both share the unwillingness to entertain the other’s perspective.
Consider what it means to be an educated voter. When choosing one name from a ballot of many, truly making an educated decision would entail a full understanding of the intent and objectives of each and every candidate. By watching the primary debates for only one party, you can’t obtain that knowledge. Neither can it be achieved through shared Facebook articles or media reviews. The media, as convenient and accessible as it may be, doesn’t accurately depict the full picture. As American citizens, we have the responsibility to be well-informed when we vote to ensure the best future for our nation. We need to step outside our comfort zones and consider the ideas of both sides. Only then can we justifiably say that we disagree with a candidate’s view on an issue or wouldn’t want to see them in office.
So with a media that is often biased in one direction or another, how do we go about getting the most accurate information we can? The first way to do this is by having more than one source. If you tune into one left-leaning news channel and another right-leaning one, you can find the overlap, which may be closer to the actual truth. Another way is by listening directly to the candidates. Hearing exactly what a candidate says ensures that it is not biased in any one direction. Then you can form your own opinion on what they say rather than hearing the opinion of the newscast.
If you’re thinking, I’m a college student I don’t have the time to watch all the debates and several news channels, you’re not alone. To make efficient use of your time, apply the technique your professors have been drilling into you since day one: how to do proper research. One of the most important elements of research is being able to evaluate a source. Where is it coming from, what are possible sources of bias, are the facts likely correct? By entertaining these questions, you can consider the news from a more open perspective.
As Aristotle said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” When elections come around, I hope that many citizens will embrace this mindset. Maybe you will shift your views on one particular topic, or you may reaffirm your current ideologies. Either way, there is nothing to lose by getting all the facts and having an open mind for the 2016 election.
