At times, people can become so engrossed in their own views that it becomes difficult for them to find any other beliefs reasonable. Historically, this sort of radicalism might have been seen as revolutionary, standing tall against the indomitable forces of corrupt government and harsh institutionalism. Today, many Americans who are absorbed in this type of radicalism aren’t being innovative; rather, they have become bigoted, showing their lack of desire for open-mindedness and esteemed thinking.
Although the large issue that radicalism is tied into is politics, it extends further than just that, touching subjects of religion, products and generally any polarizing topic. This matter can be as simple as being a fan of either Ford or Chevy, claiming that either one of these companies is better than the other. Though advocating for a company is certainly not radical, when it grows to a point of obnoxious disrespect towards opposing views and a refusal to accept what others have to say or think, then a problem ensues.
In America, freedom of speech allows us to speak openly about whatever our interests may be. This is wonderful and one of the reasons the United States is so great. But I feel that many people take this to the extreme, spouting bigotry and ignorance without reason. There is nothing wrong with the freedom to speak, but there can be problems from those individuals who take advantage of these outstanding American ideals who state that there is only one way of thinking or acting.
In my experience, I've found that stepping back from my perspectives has assisted me in growing as a person intellectually. Had I remained still in my views, I might not have grown as a person in my abilities to think more broadly, compare and contrast key issues and to think for myself without the constant anchor of narrow-minded vision. This has also helped me to become more well-rounded and educated as a person in order to personally debate topics without any outlying factors.
Many people are not willing to postpone particular standpoints in order to evaluate what stands outside their own perceptive bubbles. This, in turn, disturbs the ability to think freely, as radical narrow-mindedness overshadows any exterior thoughts, perceptions or ideas. In order to progress as a society, we have to capitulate our radical stances and take time to inquire about what others may have to say in order to educate ourselves on what else is out there, even if we disagree with it. This way, we become more knowledgeable citizens who aren’t bigoted to the views of others.
Intelligence within our species is what separates us from the rest of the organisms on our planet. If we dispute the gain of knowledge for our own personal narrow-mindedness, we dispute the one trait that has kept us ahead of other animals and organisms for millions of years. Without progressive thinking and taking an interest in opposing beliefs, we as a society falter to the sort of primitive actions of our earthling counterparts – barking, hollering and screeching nonsense in order to intimidate and for no reason other than having to be right.
