Opinions, Perspectives, and Alternative Viewpoints
By James M. McFadden Jr.
There is one thing I have come to appreciate and enjoy more than anything else with my new role here as the Editor of The Independent. The opportunities I and others have had to express our thoughts, opinions, perspectives, and viewpoints, all on a platform that is open and welcoming to that end.
I have had many great conversations with those who contribute to The Independent, and one thing is quite clear; we don’t all see things the same way, and frankly, that’s ok.
During one of those recent conversations, I shared what I considered ‘my truth,’ or in other words, ‘the way I see and have experienced things in my life.’ My colleague had quite a different experience, and his ‘truth,’ in almost every aspect, was quite different than mine.
This is what I wish to explore today. It is something incredibly important to me, which I believe needs to be spoken and considered. His ‘truth’ is not and was not, ‘my truth.’ Nevertheless, both of our experiences were very real, or in other words, true, and I was reminded of something essential that day.
In almost all cases, we all see things from a very singular perspective. Therefore, if we want to understand better and more clearly see the world around us, we have to be willing to listen to the ‘truths’ that others hold as their own; we can’t just cast them aside because they don’t fit our own personal experiences or our narrative view of the word.
The best conversations can be had when we sit and listen to those we do not initially agree with or understand. We used to be better at doing that; we used to listen better. We need to start nurturing that vital skillset again before it is too late; before the next generation completely tunes everything else around them out.
So, here is a reminder to all of us who know and can remember better… If we want to be heard, speak softly. Seriously… try it sometime. The next time you get angry at your children or a friend, don’t yell, talk slowly and quietly, and don’t be surprised when they say ‘what?’ or “could you please repeat that? I couldn’t hear you”. Do that several times, over and over, and guess what, most likely, they will start making an effort to listen to you. This also applies to everyday living as well. I sincerely believe that.
No one wants to listen to someone who is always yelling. No one will hear you if all you are doing is yelling or venting in anger.
Conflicting viewpoints and opinions are always going to be there. If you want someone to hear what you think or how you feel, you’re going to have to be willing to listen to them as well. That’s the only way we are ever going to find solutions and a common ground to the differences between us. Those differences are all valid; they are all true. If we can see the common denominators between us, we will all be one step closer to peace. God Bless and have a great month, everyone!
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