Throughout my time at Biola University, I have heard and seen a large amount of discussion regarding Political Correctness. I have heard both sides of the topic, those who see PC being of great importance and those who see it as a problem and a setback for young high school and college students. This past semester, my communication studies professor covered this topic and their viewpoint on the subject. They claimed that while PC was actually important in what people are trying to accomplish through it, they also believed that because of PC, we as a society have become so sensitive to anyone's criticism or disagreement that we block them out or claim that they are being offensive. I could not agree more with their viewpoint and stance. It is more than simply agreeing with my professor and viewing/studying both sides of the topic, but this has happened in my life as well during college. When I entered into college, I held so close to my personal beliefs and views that I was hardly open to anyone else's viewpoint. These beliefs were Scripture related, film related, politics, and so on. As the years went on, my mind began to change on certain viewpoints as I became more open to discussion when I recognized the importance of dialogue and interpersonal relationships. Because of my experience, this article will focus on the importance of challenging one's beliefs in college and the benefits of it.
1. You will be mind-blown.
When it came to Biblical Studies or specific films and novels, I figured I knew more information about the subjects than most did. This was not so when I entered into college. Throughout each year, I was always blown away one way or another by a professor or another student's thoughts on a subject. One of my favorite novels in high school was George Orwell's classic dystopian novel 1984. I always had a fascination for dystopian literature and absolutely loved the book to the point where I read it twice. Fast-forward to Junior year of college, my english literature professor had us read the book for class. Despite knowing the book well, my professor blew my mind on his knowledge of the book and how he stretched it into other areas regarding freedom, national security, ethics, and more. Being mind-blown eventually became a regular thing in that class as I began to enjoy it more and more as the semester continued. It is one thing to have your own opinion on a subject, but when someone else expands your mindset, the bomb is ticking to blow your mind.
2. You will lose arguments and that's okay.
When it comes to challenges and debates on topics you know well, you get the idea that you will have the upper hand, right? Maybe, but there will come a time when you will be wrong. The question that remains is, how will you respond? In my first year of college, I came of as a know-it-all on certain topics and if someone disagreed, it would get ugly. After I became a Communication Studies major, I learned a large amount on the importance of interpersonal communication, persuasion, rhetoric, and more. When it came to conversations and relationships, I became more articulate when I would debate or have a deep discussion with colleagues and would even admit when I was wrong. Admitting defeat can be a difficult challenge, but learning from your defeats can be a push in the right direction if you allow it to. If you are defeated or outsmarted, begin doing research on the topic to recognize where you could be wrong and where you can improve on.
3. You will want to seek to challenge your beliefs.
Rather than waiting to find a reason to challenge your beliefs, why not start now? Why sit in your comfort zone when you can expand your mind and beliefs even more on your own? This is something that I began doing in the last year and a half of college. I began researching and expanding my mindset on certain controversial topics such as diversity, gender roles, language being arbitrary, and more. Because of this, I thoroughly enjoy hearing new viewpoints on certain subjects as I begin to learn new viewpoints. What makes this difficult however is when people disagree that I should be challenging myself. A year ago, I was talking to my friend's dad at a choir event and he was asking how school was. I responded that it was going well and that I was thoroughly enjoying my literature class. When I told him what novels we read (1984, Brave New World, The Handmaid's Tale, Ender's game), he became greatly discouraged and began lecturing me (more like preaching now that I think about it) about why I shouldn't be reading those books and why Biola shouldn't be teaching a class on the subject. Rather than starting an argument in public, I heard him out and then left. I became angry later on and my mother agreed with me. I am all for people disagreeing with my viewpoints, but to say that challenging oneself in beliefs and viewpoints is a bad idea? I greatly disagree with that. How can you really get to know people if you ignore their beliefs or viewpoints that they hold on to? Which brings me to my fourth and final point.
4. You will have a better understanding of people.
Challenging your viewpoints does not just have to be from reading books and articles. Throughout college, you will meet people of various beliefs, viewpoints, backgrounds, lifestyles, and more. While you challenge yourself in your beliefs, challenging yourself in getting to know and even befriend other people is of great importance. Throughout my time in college, I befriended people of various viewpoints and backgrounds. Do I agree with all of them? Absolutely not. Do I hold their beliefs against them? Again, absolutely not. In fact, some of the closest friends that I made have held and continue to hold different viewpoints on the areas of scripture, life, and certain opinions on various issues and topics. Just because you and someone differ on a topic -- especially a topic that you both are passionate about -- it does not mean that you cannot at least try and get along let alone become friends.
Challenging yourself in college is easier said than done. You may find people who strongly hold to their beliefs to the point where they isolate you or you may find it difficult for yourself to be challenged. Honestly, that is perfectly fine. The process takes time, some longer than others but if you really want to understand differing viewpoints and the people that hold them, then challenging yourself and your viewpoints and beliefs is of great importance. I am not saying that you should cast your beliefs aside and forget them. Hold on to them but also be open to new possibilities. You never know what you may find.
