More than just enabling us to formulate and express our own opinions, I'd like to think that the education that we receive helps us to recognise and respect the fact that others have opinions too, and that these opinions do not necessarily have to align with our own.
Last night, I posted a picture on a social media site that emphasised the importance of loving your neighbour as you love yourself, regardless of the neighbour's race, class, religion or sexuality. I know that this is not a point of view that is shared by everyone, but I figured that those who did not agree would either refrain from commenting, or would express their opinion in a way that led to discussion as opposed to argument.
Unfortunately, I was wrong. I was surprised by the vehemence with which someone told me that my opinion was wrong, and that what a certain group of people did was essentially absolutely immoral. I did try to discuss the comment with this individual, but to no avail. To avoid offending others who may see the picture, I went ahead and deleted the comment, but the surprise still remained.
I know of many others who have experienced similar backlash after expressing their opinions on a variety of topics, and the thing that stands out to me is that most of the backlash comes from the 'older' generation; those who have taught us and guided us and encouraged us to have opinions.
I don't think the world will ever be at a place where everyone agrees with everyone else, and I frankly think that such a world would bore me! I enjoy the talking to intellectuals who have different points of view from myself, and who are able to challenge me to think beyond my own sphere of existence. However, I would like to believe that one day we may reach a point where we are all free to express our opinions, and be respected for them.
Have a great day!
Liked this post? Don't forget to post a comment, reach out to me via Twitter @roshwalia or follow this blog!
The Kenyan Nomad
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
It's a cold winter here - for Nairobians, at least. Stormy weather, cloudy skies, the occasional downpour - you get the picture. I took... -
Doing restaurant reviews is always fun, but sometimes, it's nice to put together a collection such that one knows what to order from a ... -
Last Thursday, I visited the Rift Valley Academy (RVA), a Christian boarding school in Kijabe, Kenya. I went to talk to some students about ... -
What exactly is personal financial management? A quick definition: "The efficient and effective management of money to accomplish objec... -
The more time I spend in Kenya, the more cool brands, places and events I stumble across. Madafu Moxie is one of those brands, and when y... -
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Nick Ndeda, I should give some background. Nick was a presenter on my favourite radio channel, X ... -
"When you are at rock bottom, the only way to move is up." These are words we've all probably heard at one point or another ... -
You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realise this and you will find strength. -Marcus Aurelius When I was 14 years old, I... -
Do you really even live in Nairobi if you've never been to Hashmi and raved about its food to all you know? Yes, I'm being (mostly)... -
Amandla Ooko-Ombaka. Where do I start? Those who know her know that she’s a force of nature, a whirlwind of energy and inspiration, and an ...
1 comment:
Education should give an adaptable surrounding for people to understand that a difference in opinion is not a challenge or a fight to pick. What you call the older generation may have lived through a period where everything they did was challenged in a "Dictator" model, and that culture lives on. And by the way, education does not mean a college degree!
Post a Comment