Hello,
At the library I consider it important
that people who have many different beliefs and philosophies feel comfortable
there. The library should be open to all. So generally I do not express my
opinion on any subject that seems controversial. It is easier if I agree with
the speaker to nod and concur without saying much of anything. Also, if my
feelings are not strong about the subject, it all it makes little difference to
me to listen to someone else express their ideas. However it becomes harder
when I passionately hold a diametrically opposed point of view. I sometimes
wonder, “Do they think I agree with them because I say nothing in particular? Does
it matter what I think in this situation?”
Last night at work two different
patrons at different times told me issues that I have rather strong opinions
about. My stance is quite different from their opinion. I came away from the “talk”
feeling quite conflicted perhaps because I said nothing about my point of view.
Being silent does cost something emotionally.
Perhaps many of us have difficulty expressing
different opinions while being concerned about the reception in the listener. My
childhood home did not have many political discussions so I rarely heard people
talking from different sides of an issue. Or perhaps they were all on the same
side of almost every concern.
There was some talk about other
religions, but I am ashamed to say that was more on the level of “us them” type
of comments with “us” being seen as superior and correct to “them”.
It is indeed not a perfect world. Now
if I can figure out how to have your opinion and my different opinion, help us remain
on good terms, the world would be perfect.
Paula
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