My boyfriend does this funny thing to avoid answering a difficult question right away. If I ask where he wants to eat or if he likes my dress he’ll say something like, “I can’t share my personal opinion on the matter.” Something a politician would say but toward the most mundane things.
It’s so annoying, but I get it. When you’re not sure what you believe or reluctant to disappoint, it’s easier to cop out or take some middle of the road approach than to give a blatant answer.
I’ve been thinking about what exactly to write amidst finals, holidays, and insomnia. I swore to stay away from current affairs, especially politics, for many reasons. But I’m finding it hard to write anything worthwhile, because these things have been pressing on my mind and keeping me up at night. I read the news and keep up on current affairs but avoid discussing these things with my peers at all costs.
Why do I do this? Isn’t college supposed to be an environment of intellectual and personal growth? Part of the reason is that I don’t care to go around in circles on politically ambiguous issues without real answers. Another is that I’m quite moderate in my opinions, whereas many of my peers have very strong beliefs or are politically apathetic. But as the election season draws closer, I see that most of the reason I’m reluctant to discuss these issues is because of the fact that a lot of my peers aren’t afraid to blatantly disregard anyone who disagrees with them.
It scares me. Every time I scroll through my Facebook feed I find a long political post littered with phrases like,
“If you think so and so should be president, you’re disgusting.”
“If you believe this, unfriend me right now.”
“Do these idiots hear themselves? Sick.”
I expect nothing less than this language from the media. They’re built on tearing society apart for fun and profit. And these comments aren’t specific to any one group of people—I hear them from multiple sides of the political spectrum.
But why are my own friends and colleagues bent on tearing people down, who have perfectly legitimate beliefs, in order to make a point? Who does this language help? If anything, destructive words create more intolerance and stratification.
A lot of us need to step back and look at where we’re getting our information before evaluating whether or not an entire group of people are bumbling, sadistic idiots. Because that’s how the media would like us to behave—and it’s working.
Does anyone have the time to examine every source and research every issue? Unless your career goals revolve around political science, probably not. I most certainly don’t. But if I don’t have enough information on an issue I refrain from forming an opinion just for the sake of having one. And if I do have a legitimate opinion, and it happens to deviate from the norm, I instinctively censor myself before others can do it for me.
This is the opposite of progress. Everyone has a right to their own opinions and beliefs. But the second you begin asserting that your way is the right way, and silencing those who disagree, you’re creating a breeding ground for hate and intolerance.
Take some time to think about where others are coming from and listen, actually listen, to what they have to say. You’ll be surprised what you might learn.
