Unity

We are living in a political and rather crazy age, there’s no doubt about it. There are strong feelings running through many people’s minds and much worry about finances and what the future is going to look like on a very individual level. Sadly, this seems to bring out the worst in some people and arguments become increasingly heated, with people desperate to make others understand their point of view. Amidst all of this I have been reminded that sometimes it is better to step back and allow some people to continue shouting in their echo chamber, rather than becoming embroiled in a debate that just raises the blood pressure and changes absolutely nothing.

We all have our own views and that is very much what it means to be human – we are all entitled to our opinions, providing they do not directly harm anyone of course, and to be individuals who have individual feelings. I feel it is important to have a strong sense of self, but in turn we must respect other points of view. There should always be a place for healthy debate, that is partly how change occurs after all, but if you are going to partake in debate then you must learn to listen as well as talk. This is where I found myself recently, engaging in what I first assumed was healthy debate. I was willing to listen to a differing point of view but when I did not agree with that view, I was met with insult and judgement, being told over and over that I was brainwashed and wrong. The other person failed to address any of the points I had made in my own arguments as they were too busy attacking. I tried to maintain a balanced attitude and not get wound up, but in the end, I realised it was a complete waste of my time and walked away. This was fanaticism plain and simple and you cannot talk or reason with a fanatic.

My reason for writing about this is to remind us all to stop and think before we speak, especially before we allow ourselves to enter into a debate, because arguing for arguments sake achieves absolutely nothing and often ends up turning ugly. If someone is trying to draw you into a fight, it is better to have the dignity to walk away quietly, than to engage in a heated disagreement.

In a time with so much political turmoil and financial worries, let’s do better and not pick fights with people who do not see things from our point of view. Instead let’s choose unity, let’s try and pull together – divided we fall, united we stand! How is anything ever going to be any better if we are too busy hating each other to bring about new beginnings?