Let’s be the adults in the room and agree to disagree with respect | Opinion
Imagine a world where everyone had the same points of views, the same opinions. How boring would that be? All of us saying yes to everything so that nobody gets offended. Our nation thrives on different points of view, both the foundation and the strength of a democracy.
However, these days, a friendly, cordial discussion where not all agree seems likely turn into a loud argument. People who don’t share the same beliefs might try to forcefully convince, mock or offend each other.
But we can learn so much when we are open to differing opinions. It s fine to agree to disagree.
But why is it so difficult to do even that? Why is there such constant disrespect toward anything that is not what the other person believes or wants to hear?
The pandemic initially seemed to unite us. People were forced to stay home, and I recall every afternoon taking long walks along neighborhood streets with my family. People were nicer and kinder, saying hello and smiling. The lockdown made everyone friendlier and more pleasant. Fear unites people; the uncertainty of the future makes people more humble, cordial and friendly. There was a unity of purpose — staying well. Slowing down made many of us more reflective.
But before long, the narrative of divisiveness returned. There was an election in 2020, winter hit hard, bringing COVID numbers up. Many people had lost their jobs; we saw the vaccine rollout, masks mandates, home schooling, the border crisis, a rise in crime in many cities, and other challenges.
All this has led people to become frustrated, aggressive and hostile to others who don’t agree with them. Families and friends would avoid each other. Lifetime friendships were broken.
And when the media got involved, I stopped watching many shows and news channels. Same with social media. Freedom of speech is not a right protected in the private sector, so these companies can de-platform whomever they like. So here we go again. I don’t like you because I disagree with you; therefore, your opinion is not welcome on my social-media platform.
As the president of a Hispanic Chamber, I deal with many people. We hosted in-person events one year ahead of many organizations because our members got tired of Zoom. We proceeded cautiously, with social distancing, providing hand sanitizers, opening the doors in the ballrooms and placing plexiglass in front of the stage.
As a result, we slowly reintroduced the opportunity for our members to do business with one another. Some guests even requested to have a table for just one person outside the ballroom. We never criticized or questioned them. We accommodated members with these exaggerated measures because the basis of our relationships is respect. The same with friends and family. I avoided topics that can cause friction. Trivial conversation is best, however boring.
President Ronald Reagan and Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Tip O’Neill were on opposite sides of the political spectrums. They rarely agreed on any type of policy, yet they got along. They fought on the political stage, but, once that was over, they put it aside. I am sure that with a little effort and support from the media, elected officials, family, co-workers and friends, we will able to disagree in a healthy and civilized manner.
The younger generations deserve better from us adults.
Liliam M. Lopez is the founder of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
