Why do differing opinions matter?
It is critical in a democracy the multiple
viewpoints are presented, discussed, argued and accepted. No one person or
organization has all the answers or ideas, one of the sad things I have seen in
the USA is people hating others who disagree with them. Why would you only want
to surround yourself with people who only think like you, but more importantly,
does it really need to rise to the level of hate if someone has a different
view?
The polarization of speech needs to be address,
there are examples in US history where people have vastly different views, but
they were close friends. This was true on politics, now it appears a matter of
honor to not only disagree with someone but also question his/her integrity.
College campuses used to be the great bastion in a diverse discuss, now they
are safe zones where someone can go to not to be offended by free speech. Articulating ones values and rights is whtt
free speech is protected.
To me what seems to get lost is that it
protects not only your speech but also that of those who oppose your position.
You have to fully address the concept. This means tolerating the speech you
find offensive. Just because someone or some groups said something so repulsive
to you, that does not mean it will go into some law you have to live with. If
radical Islam had their way politically you wouldn’t have free speech, but in a
democracy is critical that radical Islam has to be able to voice their views.
Here is a crucial point, voicing your views
and acting on them are two very different things. I would defend with my life
the right that radical Islam has to voice their views, I will also give up my
life to fight them if they try to implement these views. Radical Islam is an
extreme example of free speech. Look at politicians, has anyone stated a
position so vile that you actually hate them? I have vastly different views
with politicians depending on the issue. However, I can’t say I actually hate
one. I might not like someone, but hate is a whole different level. I can also
see myself being friendly with a politician even if we have major differences.
Now let’s take this to the personal level. How
inclusive are you in your circle of friends? You have group think? I would find
that incredible boring. I have friends who I argue with very intensively, but I
still love them and value our friendship. Do I have a defensive limit I use to
determine when someone’s views are so unacceptable to me that we can’t remain
friends? Yes, I do. Are there people who
had views that I totally despise? Yes, absolutely, but I don’t waste my energy
on them until their views will prevent mine. Freedom of speech has to be
defended at all cost and a democracy can’t exist without it.
Embrace differences with your friends. You are
not always right, they are not always wrong.
Enjoy the opportunity to have the experience of discord. There are millions of people in the world who
do not have freedom of speech and would give anything for it.
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