Buttons

Wow, that last topic really pushed some peoples' buttons...which brings me to another topic that I discussed with a friend on the way to a concert this afternoon. I was on my way to Sag Harbor to get some Sunday cultchuh...classical music and original compositions by a composer friend.

Anyway, we talked about this topic below, the media, and the buttons it pushed, which led our conversation to how it has often been noted that one should never discuss politics and religion (especially when you don't know the other people's leanings). My friend said that her boyfriend recently bemoaned the dwindling opportunity for people to do just that without practically coming to blows, and I agree with him. I was raised in a loud Italian family that argued and debated ideas at dinnertime. Maybe it wasn't so great for the digestion, but what it did give me was the ability to listen to other people's opinions with an open mind and, if not respect those opinions, then certainly respect the right of that person to HAVE and VOICE those opinions. It's not really a problem for me to discuss a potentially volatile topic and walk away agreeing to disagree. I don't become enraged when I can't make you change your mind and agree with me, and I don't hate you for not agreeing with me. Okay, so MAYBE you'd annoy me some...I'm not saying I'm perfect here. I'm just saying that's the way I am, coming from my background. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that if we never discuss important things in life, if we never share our opinions and concerns and beliefs, and more importantly, if we never LISTEN to others' opinions and concerns and beliefs, how can we ever begin moving towards understanding others and ourselves, which is the first step, I think, towards tolerance, and ultimately peace. Okay, am I just talking out of me arse here?

ANYWAY, so, here is another question... if everyone could learn to join together in a heated debate and still walk away, if not friends, at least agreeing to disagree, would peace be more easily reached on a global level? I guess the easy answer would be yes, but is that even possible anymore? Are we too far gone for that?

As for here in this blogdom, I enjoy reading everyone's opinions and personal takes on issues. It certainly has given me perspectives I otherwise may not have had, and I learn alot, so thanks for letting me be a part of the neighborhood!