There are so many things that I could ramble about at the moment, but none of them seem to fit. In case I look back over this entry many months from now, I think I will jot down a few of the world's latest headlines. What has happened since I last updated? The Terri Schiavo case came to an end (a story which has been the topic of many heated debates as of late), Pope John Paul II passed away (resulting in one of the largest religious gatherings in modern history), and Prince Charles finally married Camilla Parker-Bowles (after 35 years, it's about time). Eric Robert Rudolph will plead guilty (he was under their noses for seven years before they caught him...amazing...), people are STILL insisting that Michael Jackson is innocent (no comment necessary), and a Kurd has been sworn in as Iraq's President (the first non-arab leader of an Arab country).
This is totally unrelated, but recent debates/discussions have left me wondering how often our "differences" are the result of an inability (or unwillingness) to examine the other person's point of view. Many times when there is discord between individuals, it is only heightened by misunderstanding and miscommunication. How often do we make an effort to understand what drives individuals with different values and beliefs? Why write this person off when you could gain knowledge (if nothing else) by understanding where he or she is coming from? The class that I despise above all others is currently strengthening this mindset. I am realizing that there are so many preconceived notions that are wrong 95% of the time. As people, we are too quick to rely on what we have heard from others, rather than exploring things for ourselves...rather than really understanding (in this case) our opponent. It is a recurring theme that is popping up not only in my classes, but in day-to-day life as well.
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