We scroll through our Facebook feed, sighing at our racist uncle that’s sharing an opinion written by one of his friends, riddled with inaccurate facts and stereotypes. On the flip side, we shake our head at an article we read, although accurate and factual, because it clashes with our view of the world, irritating us. We make one crucial mistake when we continue to scroll though, we encourage a lack of dialogue and discussion that has the potential to help us grow and educate ourselves.
I could go into a rant about how we need to listen to one another with love and compassion, but we’ve all heard that before, and more than once. Once we’ve made the decision to listen, we need to take the next step and make the decision to respond. Response is a crucial part of educating ourselves and playing our part in bettering society, both as people and as Christians.
We should take every opportunity for discourse presented to us as a chance to grow and challenge our views. Challenging your views solidifies that you not only, are firmly grounded in your beliefs, but also that you have a rounded, educated opinion. If we are privileged enough to have opportunities and sources to grow our knowledge, then we shouldn’t waste them.
This, fellow students, is my challenge to you from myself as editor-in-chief of The Star. I would ask that you use The Star as a platform to educate yourself and others through educated discourse. If an opinion published in The Star challenges your personal convictions, ask to write an opinion, comment on the article online, or, better yet, write a letter to the editor.
While The Star may not have an opinion written by your racist uncle, it is just as easy to ignore. Stars practically litter the campus, you don’t give it a second thought as you toss the version you got after chapel in the garbage or leave it on your table at lunch. It’s easy to vent to your friends, or complain via Yik Yak about how ridiculous someone’s opinion is. Instead of forgetting about it, leaving it behind, or letting your voice be lost in the anonymity of an app, use the paper to remind yourself to develop your opinions and strengthen your beliefs.
Don’t be afraid to be challenged and grow. The Star serves as a place for voices of students, staff, and community members to be heard. My hope is that The Star to be a vehicle for a variety of opinions and perspectives, whether they be similar or contrasting. Don’t be afraid to stir the pot, ruffle some feathers, and most importantly, promote discussion. So go ahead; comment on that racist uncle’s Facebook post, just make sure it is educated, thoughtful, and compassionate.