There are nearly 7.5 billion people in the world. There are about 326 million people in
the U.S. and around 1.6 million people in Idaho, with nearly 11,800 students at the University of Idaho. And not a single one of those people has the exact same opinion on any given matter.
The current global and national environment tends to lead to tough and conflicting discussions on any side of an issue. Whether politics, climate change, human rights or current events are involved, it is always important to hear the opposing viewpoint.
It isn’t fair to say that Thursday’s speaker, Voddie Baucham, is wrong or hateful, but it also isn’t fair to say that those who staged a walkout during his speech are snowflakes who need to get over it. Both sides have reasons for their beliefs — reasons that are grounded in personal experience and should be listened to.
Any attempt at understanding is vital in order to survive in a connected world. People cannot choose to remain forever ignorant of their opponents’ philosophies and ideals.
College is one of the best places to learn about differing perspectives.
From the pro-life lecturer, to the student who believes climate change is false, UI is a rich campus to step out of our own bubbles of opinion. Birds of a feather do flock together, but that also means there is no opposition to a point of view. There won’t be someone to bring up points no one in the group would have thought of.
In any organization, a phenomenon called groupthink occurs. This is when everyone is on the same page with an idea and the massive feeling of unity makes individuals forget critical, and often criticizing, thinking. This is why a person playing devil’s advocate is so important — so that the most truthful and well-rounded ideas rise to the surface.
The thing about being wrong is that until the exact moment someone realizes they are wrong, it feels exactly like being right.
College is meant to challenge students in many areas, not just academically. We are not meant to be the same person we were when we entered college. We are supposed to mature and gain knowledge in the fields we study and in humanity.
Throughout life, there will always be someone to disagree with or a viewpoint that conflicts with our own beliefs and understanding. No one is right all the time. It is important to understand where someone is coming from, especially in a world with growing turmoil. These opposite viewpoints may even reinforce an individual’s commitment to their beliefs.
As Orson Scott Card said, “when you really know somebody you can’t hate them. Or maybe it’s just that you can’t really know them until you stop hating them.”
— CW