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In an age where opinions are shared more openly and frequently, thanks to social media and constant communication, navigating differing viewpoints has become an essential skill. It is common to find conversations turning hostile, where differences in perspective lead to intolerance. First things first, giving an opinion is not a problem. However, we must not impose our thoughts on anyone or throw opinions on matters we are not familiar with. On the other hand, we can't simply become hostile to people for giving an opinion which doesn't fit our interests or thoughts. Learning how to handle opposing opinions with grace and understanding is important.
Social media has always been a boiling pot of different beliefs and ideologies. However, the recent rise in intolerance among people for others' opinions is alarming. Intolerance often stems from the mistaken belief that our opinions are superior to those of others. We tend to associate our viewpoints with our identity, which makes any challenge to them feel personal. It's important to recognise that disagreement is not a threat to who we are but a natural part of engaging with others with different experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
One of the most effective ways to avoid intolerance is to practice active listening. When we engage in debates or discussions, we often focus on forming a response rather than truly hearing the other person. One must pay close attention to what is being said, not interrupt, and allow time for the other person to express themselves fully.
Patience is essential here. It's easy to get frustrated when someone holds a view that contrasts starkly with your own, especially when it seems irrational or misinformed. However, taking a moment to step back and consider why they might feel that way can prevent a knee-jerk reaction. Not everyone has access to the same information, and what might seem obvious to one person may be completely foreign to another. It's important to remember that opinions are often shaped by a person's unique experiences and upbringing. What might seem like a baffling opinion could be deeply rooted in someone's life history, education, or the community they belong to. We don't have to agree with someone to show empathy for the journey that has made them believe something wrong.
One major challenge in handling opposing views is society's rise in polarisation. We live in an era where opinions are often divided into binary choices: left or right, for or against. This oversimplification of complex issues leads to an 'us versus them' mentality, where those who disagree with us are seen as adversaries. To avoid falling into this trap, it's important to recognise the nuance in most issues. Rarely is there a one-size-fits-all solution, and often, both sides of a debate have valuable insights.
When entering a discussion, we should remember that none of us have all the answers. So, we must approach a debate with an open mind, recognising that the purpose is not to win but to exchange ideas. Also, when a conversation becomes heated, it's easy for emotions to take control, leading to defensiveness, anger, or dismissiveness. If you find yourself getting upset, take a step back, breathe deeply, and remind yourself that disagreement is a normal part of human interaction. Even losing an argument won't cost you anything.
Finally, it's important to know when to disengage. Not all conversations need to end in agreement or resolution, and sometimes, the best way to maintain civility is to recognise when a topic has reached an impasse. It's perfectly acceptable to agree to disagree. We must remember that walking away from a discussion without animosity is a sign of maturity, not defeat.