It seems to me that as we move forward as a society the very fabric that has held us together for so long is on the verge of tearing. For America was built on ideas which promoted freedom of opinion, and preventing our greatest social attribute from slipping away sits solely on our generation. In every facet of our lives, I see a shrinking of middle ground between any two opposing groups, such as democrats and republicans, all the way down to neighbors feuding like they were the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s.

It seems absurd and just unreasonable to me to be so opposed to finding a middle ground. I’ve seen these kinds of splits happen in many different forms throughout my life, through divorce, friendships and really any other type of relationship I’ve ever been a part of. Never have I witnessed it solve anything, because, it is easy to let a small split in opinion grow considerably without even knowing it. For example, a clash of opinion with your significant other regarding creationism versus evolution can balloon into a complete deterioration of the relationship.

You may think two minds so set in their beliefs may never be able to find a reasonable solution. Not true, real feelings become lost in a blind ignorance of one life-long belief. It’s not about God or evolution anymore, it becomes more about pride in your belief, not who is right or wrong. When such disputes do occur, no matter how small or big, it is imperative that you take a step back from pride, and use logical reasoning as well.

Does it really matter to you that someone shares a differing opinion than your own, or is it simply the principle of the matter ? (That you are right and they are wrong). Does that mean you shouldn’t associate with them at all? Well let me tell you, I have buried a parent, my grandparents and friends all with some type of regret or overall feeling of stupidity due to something petty I may have disagreed with them over. My father and I rarely agreed on much, however, after he passed away, I realized that just because I didn’t agree with what he said, did not mean HE was wrong and I was right. Instead, I found there is no right or wrong, his opinion belonged to him and mine belongs to me.

Opinion is one of the only pure forms of expression still left, and to let it break apart relationships instead of build them is no longer acceptable to me. Everyone at this school or anywhere else in the world holds differing opinions regarding just about everything, and my goal with this article is to help you understand how important it is to discuss these splits in opinion openly and without projecting judgment. Rather than letting opinions repel you away from one another, let them propel you closer. After all, you can learn much more from a person who communicates opinions opposite of yours. So spread your figurative wings and explore new ideas. Even if you don’t agree with the person, it is important to respect their voice in our society.

Opinions no longer hold any value in the afterlife, but they hold a tremendous effect while we are still stuck here on earth. Do you think God will judge us for voting republican or democrat? Naw, I don’t think so, so why do we think it is okay for us to do? Campus is full of varying individuals and we should treat them as such, for they are not wrong and you are not right. Perhaps instead of reacting in disgust and disbelief that someone may not agree with your views on society, or anything else for that matter, I ask you to accept that opinion, as just that, a mere opinion, and I hope you would try and understand why there could be such a split between ideals.

I ask you to state your opinions freely but also to take others opinions as they are, do not assume, do not judge and do not force a split between the two beliefs. It is imperative to me that we shrink this imaginary gap of varying notions and bring all types of people together not for having the SAME opinion but standing together just for simply HAVING an opinion. No longer should right or wrong ever be considered in a view point, except, listen and respect others.
After all, they do say opposites attract, so let’s erase this invisible split and meet one another in the middle so to speak. I’ll be kicked back with my feet up waiting for you all to meet me there. For real.