As we all know, the first Presidential Debate aired last night. And there was lots of talking, lots of interrupting, lots of grimaces. But as we near the election, let's take a moment to think about something.
Most ideas thrive in environments of discussion. It's really easy to shout your beliefs. In our age of social media, it's ridiculously easy! Through Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, you can create the perfect echo chamber. The more you shout, the louder, more frequent it comes back to you. The development of different, politically influenced new channels allows us to tune in on one opinion. Although it can be comforting to surround yourself with like ideas, it's not reality.
These social media platforms boast conversation, sharing, and interpersonal communication as their foundation. However, these mediums are instead promoting virtual shouting matches. It's unfortunate, and inescapable.
Have you ever complete a group project successfully when everyone was shouting at each other? Or even worse, not communicating at all? It simply doesn't work. And although we keep talking about it, we don't follow through.
It's mighty hard to listen to people who don't agree with you. I'll admit it. No matter who painful it may be, it's important to listen to everyone. Discussion is the heart and soul of progress. You want to be at the intersection of left and right, the overlap of opposites. Remember: contrasting colors can be complementary colors.
