Can we even agree to disagree anymore?

BY GLORIA O’KOYE

What makes us stand out from one another is that each individual’s thoughts and opinions are unique to self. A person’s perspective is moulded by internal and external factors such as: upbringings, their environment, culture, and lived experiences. Another cool yet overlooked part is that people’s views can also change as they continue their life journey and have eye-opening conversations and experiences. Just like the earth spins, a person’s view does not remain still even though we must acknowledge there are core values people do have.

As time passes and generations come and go, I can’t help but notice how much society has gravitated and become more one-sided and dismissive with any other opinions that may differ. Keep in mind that there are some non-negotiable conversations because the harm it may bring can do more damage than good, however, as of lately it seems that every topic has become a constant battleground.

Nowadays, one must be cautious in approaching certain topics and hold certain thoughts in, or risk getting into heated debates that leave lasting damage to relationships with others. The current mentality of today’s society is potentially becoming a breeding ground for extreme thoughts, because when individuals are not able to express fully without being ostracized, it increases their chances to turn their thinking into more disastrous results which we had witnessed from time to time.

It has been a rough two years that the world has been facing: the pandemic, social justice trends, decisions the governments have been making, and much more. There has been intense peer pressure within our communities that demanded everyone to choose a side or face backlash for being in the middle, or remaining silent. Even though it may have started with good intentions to change for a better world, human beings tend to mix in personal agendas when movements become huge. As the media continues to post these polls on public opinions for certain mandates, conversations from the family dinner table to work environments potentially can become a toxic space when current events are at the centre of attention.

From last year when there was confusion and fear worldwide about the pandemic, unfriendly comments were made towards people that were still maintaining their social interactions. What was shocking was that professionals in the social service and healthcare sector were shaming individuals for raising concerns, asking questions, or just being hesitant because of historical and/or personal reasons. If we were truly heading towards being a progressive society, why are tactics being used to feel like the olden days and to some even worse? Why must it always have to be a black and white area when it comes to our health?

Another huge debate comes in the form of conversations that are centred on politics and social movements. Uproars and sides clashing during protests and riots have become more prevalent. What is interesting is that some of the political figures and certain mind-sets are more common than we like to admit, just that most folks have hidden it better from the public than others.

All in all, our society needs to come together and listen while setting aside emotional responses, respecting each other’s opinions without the harsh back and forth. If some folks want to remain in the middle, allow them to do so and give them the space to research more before making their decision.

Sometimes both sides are saying the same thing but from different perspectives and it can be easily resolved by conversation. Sometimes it is okay to agree to disagree and remove from the environment if it seems to be a dead end.