Discussion should be encouraged
October 16, 2014
Can you remember specific conversations within the past couple years that were longer, deeper and more meaningful than most? Do you remember any of the same level from your childhood or early teenage years?
Probably not, because young people often experience this for the first time in their lives when they head off to college. I think this is a good thing for anyone, and there are specific ideas to hold in mind when it happens.
One of my first encounters with this was a long debate my freshman year with my best friends on what to do in a kill-or-be-killed situation. I will also never forget the multi-hour conversation I had last semester about religion with someone deep in an opposing viewpoint.
It could happen late at night or in the classroom, but memorable conversation that feels deep and meaningful seems to increase for college students. We come into a new position to interact with a broader variety of people, deeper issues and clearer thoughts so that passionate conversation is more likely.
In these discussions, beliefs that were formed from different pre-college sources clash, and the result can be new beliefs or at least mutual understanding. It is certainly a redefining opportunity.
To freshmen and those who have yet to encounter this: wait, and be receptive. Some relish in constant debate, but the type that I am speaking about, where someone’s values and beliefs come under fire, is always good and productive.
Simple questions such as “Why don’t you eat meat?” or “Why do they stay together?” incite the discussion of different viewpoints which may not have been encountered before. Obviously these conversations or debates won’t be rigorous investigations, but they will feature uniquely fresh or clear takes which affirm or challenge beliefs.
Also, I think that we can strengthen the flow and force of the discussions. Making clear points will keep the conversation afloat, while questioning how objectivity on the subject is possible will propel it to be insightful.
Yet this new opportunity can’t be forced, or else it could become emotionless. Real discussion of principles which underline our identities arises naturally, especially when we are primed for it as young college students.
