Talking about important issues can be a tricky thing to do. It can be very difficult to engage in a conversation with someone who has an opposing view of you, especially if it is a subject that you are passionate about. The important thing is to be mindful of other people’s experiences and beliefs when we are trying to explain our perspective. Discussing issues that matter can bring up many feelings for people, particularly issues about race, culture, politics, and religion. When having these conversations it is important to approach them with empathy. We need to have the realization that other people are just as entitled to their opinions as we are. This does not mean that we need to change our beliefs to match theirs, but we do need to show respect. In the article “How Do We Talk About Issues That Matter” by Laura Tavares, she quotes Robert Jones Jr as saying, “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” I completely agree with this quote. I believe that as long as a person’s beliefs are not harmful to others, we should be able to engage in disagreements with them and remain friendly. By having these hard conversations we can broaden our views and see other people’s perspectives. We can learn new things and grow by exchanging ideas.
“We humanize what is going on in the world and in ourselves only by speaking of it”
-Hannah Arendt
