The unsaid word
Winston Churchill, among others, noted that freedom of speech for some people means saying what they think, but taking offence at others. In the 70 years since his time, we've had many disputes over what constitutes free speech. Most recently, we've had debates on "being politically correct" and a huge backlash against "progressivism" and "liberalism."
I'm not entering into a discussion on the value of euphemisms or political correctness. Any initiative taken to an extreme is of no value to anyone. And we can agree that there are people who don't understand moderation, or who think that their view is the only one that matters. So I'll leave that there.
But on the subject of free speech -- I'm inclined to think that we've become lazy debaters, and rude conversationalists. Too many times I've heard or seen potential discussions deteriorate into name calling and demands to boycott people, businesses and ideas. We seem to think that coming up with a hurtful zinger means that we've won a discussion. Or that shouting "fascist liberal" (a totally imaginary creature) constitutes open discourse.
How about respectfully listening to someone's point of view? You may learn something. How about answering some of the questions that others have - without judgment or insults? They may learn something. And even if they don't immediately agree -- remember that you weren't born with the opinions that you hold. You learned them somewhere, and therefore there is a real possibility that you can learn more.
I'm disappointed at university students who call to shut down debates and discussions and insist on never being offended. There is no right to not being offended, and no obligation for being protected against all unpleasantness. As I've said before, parents who fail to teach their children that life is not fair or kind do a massive disservice to them. University is a place where you should be learning to learn, to debate and to advance ideas, not cringe from difficult things. I'm even more ashamed of university faculty who capitulate to these demands.
Sorry, my soapbox came out there... Just to sum up -- you didn't arrive with all of your opinions fully formed. It may take others longer to get where you are, so don't condemn them. We don't all have the same experiences, so the things that made you open to changes may have closed them off. Forgive them for the hurt they cause, and be open to help them move forward. And if you're wrong -- something that is also possible-- ask forgiveness for the hurt you caused, and be open to correction.
And remember, we are all on the same journey. Be kind to our fellow travelers as we go.
I'm not entering into a discussion on the value of euphemisms or political correctness. Any initiative taken to an extreme is of no value to anyone. And we can agree that there are people who don't understand moderation, or who think that their view is the only one that matters. So I'll leave that there.
But on the subject of free speech -- I'm inclined to think that we've become lazy debaters, and rude conversationalists. Too many times I've heard or seen potential discussions deteriorate into name calling and demands to boycott people, businesses and ideas. We seem to think that coming up with a hurtful zinger means that we've won a discussion. Or that shouting "fascist liberal" (a totally imaginary creature) constitutes open discourse.
How about respectfully listening to someone's point of view? You may learn something. How about answering some of the questions that others have - without judgment or insults? They may learn something. And even if they don't immediately agree -- remember that you weren't born with the opinions that you hold. You learned them somewhere, and therefore there is a real possibility that you can learn more.
I'm disappointed at university students who call to shut down debates and discussions and insist on never being offended. There is no right to not being offended, and no obligation for being protected against all unpleasantness. As I've said before, parents who fail to teach their children that life is not fair or kind do a massive disservice to them. University is a place where you should be learning to learn, to debate and to advance ideas, not cringe from difficult things. I'm even more ashamed of university faculty who capitulate to these demands.
Sorry, my soapbox came out there... Just to sum up -- you didn't arrive with all of your opinions fully formed. It may take others longer to get where you are, so don't condemn them. We don't all have the same experiences, so the things that made you open to changes may have closed them off. Forgive them for the hurt they cause, and be open to help them move forward. And if you're wrong -- something that is also possible-- ask forgiveness for the hurt you caused, and be open to correction.
And remember, we are all on the same journey. Be kind to our fellow travelers as we go.
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