We, as a collective human race, have forgotten how to agree to disagree respectfully. This hateful attitude towards those of opposing beliefs has gotten out of control. We are not all that polarized as humans. We all form our opinions based on our own varied perceptions and experiences. Of course, there will always be exceptions, but people are mostly good.

Remember the saying, don’t judge a book by its cover? The same notion holds true here. Don’t judge someone based on one or a few beliefs. Instead, inquire and understand why they believe what they believe. We must put the human factor back into our debates. No one is correct all the time. It’s okay to be wrong. It’s okay to agree to disagree.

Just because someone holds a particular belief does not make them less of a person. We must act like it to live on an equal playing field. No, l know it’s not always easy, especially when we have conflicting viewpoints. However, it is essential for our collective growth. If we never challenge our beliefs, how can we expect to grow? We can’t. We’d stay the exact same. Where is the good or fun in that? Non-existent.

No one has all the answers (no matter what they may try to tell you). Thus, if we want to continue to evolve, it is integral that we have debates and disagreements. That friction is where the growth comes from. It challenges someone to look at a topic through a new lens. It is humbling to learn and even more humbling to be wrong.