I’ve learned that I can’t stand looking at a problem from just one angle. Many times people will agree with something, or preach something simply because it is widely accepted. It bothers me how it is looked down upon in today’s society to bring up controversial topics for fear of offending others? I think this is ridiculous and can severely limit learning. For example, in a discussion about racism I was genuinely curious about the benefits of racial profiling. I was curious as to whether it was totally based in irrational fear or if there was a certain logical benefit to it. I did not feel comfortable just asking this question. I had to preface my question with a long speech about how I don’t actually believe in what I’m about to ask. The questions one asks and their beliefs should have no connections. For example, why should water be considered a basic human right and not a resource that Canada has in abundance and we should treat as so. I should be able to ask this question without being looked down upon as inhumane, for it is just a question. I have discovered that I believe that any question, and I mean ANY question asked for an inquisitive reason is acceptable. Unless one’s intentions in asking are malicious, then go ahead and ask away. Taboo’s of certain questions do nothing but contribute to sometimes prejudiced and assumption based popular opinion. If all questions are accepted and treated as equal, then our students will be able to learn about different sides of problems. Once they possess this knowledge of the “other side of the coin” then they will be better suited to solve many of the problems that our world faces because they will be able to attack the problems from different angles.
I’ve also learned that I sometimes need to control my emotions in a debate. Sometimes I get so worked up in the point I’m trying to make that I do the exact opposite of what I earlier stated and only follow one line of thinking out of pride. I’ve learned that to fully understand issues I sometimes will need to remove myself emotionally from the discussion and take a completely unbiased stance.
Finding the right way to phrase a question is difficult, and I struggled with the same issue all throughout the year! Our class was fairly diverse and I found myself consciously thinking about what I was about to say and if I had to say "No offense intended..." before it. It's unfortunate that society has tabooed a lot of topics but I think being aware of others' opinions and possible reactions is a good thing. Hopefully we can continue to have these sorts of conversations as we grow up, and ask questions not meant to offend, but to understand.
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