#conservative problems

You have to have a pretty weak position if your “comeback” to someone’s experience is that you don’t believe them or what they do for a living. Apparently, I can’t have worked on a literary magazine and can’t possibly teach students at a university because I watch anime and come from a red state. 

It would appear that according to this person, I also don’t “read books.” 

I wonder if this person is also confused as to why civil and productive discussions are no longer in fashion. It seems to me the more productive response might’ve been to offer some evidence or even a personal anecdote since the statement in question was just me sharing an experience (which I very clearly indicated was just a personal experience). I really couldn’t care less about whether people believe what I do for a living or not, but I do think it that’s just another example of an ongoing problem.

It seems like the more you try to create an open dialogue of any kind, the more leftists stick their fingers in their ears and try to shut you down through unrelated means. I really do tire of that. Rational, civil discussions are worth working toward again, but they can’t happen when one side automatically dismisses the other. 

Now, before you get fired up about this post’s title, please hear me out. 

One of the rules I’ve made for myself and swear by (not to mention the fact that I’m obligated to follow a specific code of ethics and conduct) is that I will never force my bias on my students or patrons, nor will I ever tell them what to think. I will, however, help my students learn how to think. That means regardless of what you bring me, I’m going to make you do your research and find the strengths and weaknesses of your position (if it is that type of paper). It doesn’t matter if I personally agree with everything you say or disagree with it--I expect you to be able to think for yourself. 

My students are college students--adults. I’m not their mother, but I am here to help them grow. One thing I do know is that discussions are still very possible if everyone is willing to listen and civil around those with dissenting opinions. That is a sign of maturity and respect, and I think the vast majority of us are all more than capable of both.

I don’t hate anyone. I think no matter the background you’re from and regardless of what you do for a living, you can have something good to bring to the table. You just have to be willing to listen, too.

There’s a reason why so many classical liberals, conservatives, and everyone in-between can still get along with each other despite differing opinions. It’s a defining factor that I suppose we all took for granted too long.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from working with students, working towards this monster graduate degree, and other life experiences in the last few years, it’s that there are still a lot of people who are happy to talk with you, ask questions, and reflect with you. There are also some who will reject any and everything that falls slightly outside of his or her bubble without ever being willing to look inward. You can’t control anyone other than yourself, nor can you convince others to adopt your viewpoints. What you can do, however, is work alongside the others to build a more productive thinking environment that helps intellectual diversity flourish. At times, you can even find a common goal even if your approaches to reaching it are different.

All of this to say, be mindful of how you conduct yourself when presented with a dissenting view. Knee-jerk reactions are rarely the answer, and when you stop to analyze what the other person is saying, you might just learn a little more about yourself too.