It seems like the tense atmosphere that surrounds the subjects of race, gender and sexuality has heightened so much that people will move mountains to avoid discussions on them.
It’s either that or the complete opposite and the conversation quickly makes a dark turn for the worse with two people shouting over one another.
This campus sure isn’t new to tensions of this sort.
Several people I talked to on both sides of the subject of tenure-ship were very heated and passionate concerning their opinions.
It was intriguing and enlightening to hear their opinions, but I couldn’t help but wonder what use were these opinions without a good conversational setting?
Talking only to the kinds of people who will always agree with you can suffocate your mind.
Yes, it’s great to talk to all your friends about how great Glenn Beck’s show is or about the depths of genius that John Stewart, Colbert or Rachel Maddow delve into, but what about a good spirited debate for a change?
If the saying is true “opinions are like (fill the blank), everybody has one,” why not let them be known and use them for good?
I can’t even count how many conversations I’ve heard and participated in that could benefit individuals and even the school as a whole. It was only through conversation and acting on the conclusions that we came to concerning Sodexo, that things actually ended up changing on campus.
Who cares about religion or black people? Don’t be afraid to discuss the hard issues with others
The nation is enraptured in debates over “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and which pundit or anchor is getting fired from their network this week for racial or religious insensitivity. It’s important to discuss these things inside and outside of the classroom.
Are you involved in a religious group? Go talk to someone in another group.
There are Muslim, Christian, Jewish and agnostic students alike on campus.
If everyone stays in their comfort “bubbles,” nobody benefits.
Being understanding and able to discuss and even laugh about our inherent similarities and differences is a great quality to have.
It’s a good challenge to embark upon to try to find someone you may not agree with (we all know that person) and have a nice conversation about some of the issues.
Even if you feel well-versed on an issue, it’s more than likely that someone with a different opinion will introduce you to a new way of approaching a subject.
It’s great to have the foundations of your views challenged and then coming back with a great counter statement.
Rather than weakening your beliefs as some may fear, it just might end up strengthening them.
If you don’t quite understand what “bisexuality” means or what life is like for openly gay students, go talk to people in GLSTBA, for so long.
Don’t be afraid to talk to people about controversial issues or topics that you have always been interested in.
Most of the time people are more than happy to discuss with you, so long as even tempers and level heads are maintained.
If things get heated, remain calm and understand that the point of these conversations is not to change the minds of others, but, rather, to enrich your own thinking.
This week I challenge you to have a conversation with someone who you know has different view than your own.
You might be surprised with what you find out about them and yourself.
Nicole Robinson can be reached at nrobinson@spartans.ut.edu.