By Mary Larsh, Columnist
Voicing an opinion can get people riled up, even when it’s not the intention. I have witnessed this in my government and world religions classes. There are two things one can never talk about without upsetting somebody: politics and religion.
In my government class, we were discussing the Second Amendment, specifically freedom of religion. The professor offered up a topic to debate. Polygamy is illegal, but is that a violation of the Second Amendment, as some religions permit it?
Hands shot into the air. These students, as well as the professor, came to an agreement that as long as the adults are of legal age and consenting, then polygamy should be permitted.
One student then raised her hand and offered an opposing view against polygamy. She clearly stated her opinion in a non-aggressive way.
The students who had previously agreed with the professor shot their hands back into the air after hearing that opinion. These students proceeded to attack the opposing viewpoint in an aggressive and somewhat rude manner.
I wonder if some students take the stance of their professors to curry favor, which it seemed some of these students were doing.
People don’t seem to realize when expressing their opinions that it often comes off as a put-down and condescending. The student with the opposing opinion didn’t speak for the remainder of class and even said to a neighbor that it wasn’t meant to start an argument. She was clearly very uncomfortable and sorry she raised her hand.
A student shouldn’t be talked down to by their peers for expressing an opposing opinion. Body language also contributes in how the message is received. The students demonstrated negative body language by shooting their hands into the air as soon as she finished speaking. Some also made hand gestures as they turned toward the student to address the opinion against polygamy.
It shouldn’t matter if one is for or against an issue, respect should be given to the person voicing an opinion.
In my world religions class, a student made a comment about Buddhism and two other students were quick to disagree. In this instance, I think the exchange of opinions was respectful. The two students explained their view of the subject in non-aggressive, calm tones. Hand gestures were made toward the PowerPoint, not toward the student with the opposing viewpoint. The student respectfully listened to her peers but didn’t continue to argue about Buddhism.
People do not have to agree with one another, but they shouldn’t make each other feel small or unintelligent for having an opposing opinion. Politics and religion create arguments and make people look at each other differently.
It shouldn’t have to be that way though. Students shouldn’t be so quick to be completely one-sided in an argument. We should always stay respectful of each other. Arguing one’s own opinion does not require one to act in a condescending manner nor should it require insulting one’s intelligence for expressing a different opinion.
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