OPINION & EDITORIAL
The enlightened
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Wednesday, October 31, 2001
This past weekend I was introduced to a young woman who would not shake my hand because of the views I express in my writing. It was an awkward situation, and it was unfortunate that she reacted in this manner, but I make no apologies for my views. I will continue to espouse my personal philosophy regardless of those who disagree. What struck me about the encounter was not the slight, but her vehemence in not meeting me. Generally I think it is important to seek out those you do not agree with to find out why they hold their beliefs, and to strengthen your own. Open-mindedness is a term often talked about but seldom practiced. Other than my chance encounter with a disgruntled reader, the lack of open-mindedness on this campus was crystallized for me through the reaction to a guest editorial.
Several days ago The Badger Herald printed an editorial written by Tshaka Barrows. His point was well intentioned, and indeed I agree with the message. Barrows thoughtfully expressed his rebuttal to a statement made by UW Chancellor John Wiley. Chancellor Wiley claims that funding for the Multicultural Student Coalition and Diversity Education Specialists is superfluous. I agree with Barrows in regard to his view of Plan 2008 not accomplishing enough for cross-cultural collaboration. I applaud anyone who has the courage to state their opinions in a public forum, open for praise and criticism.
There are those who have attacked Barrows for his writing (and who would no doubt attack him regardless of the issue). I will not be one of them.
However, I would be remiss if I did not point out what I perceive to be a weakness in the way Barrows delivered his message. The style he chose shows signs of closed-mindedness, just as Wiley does. His article was peppered with attacks aimed at the Chancellor. This gave the writing the feeling of a diatribe, rather than of a piece designed to inform.
Personally, I have always held the belief that to be taken seriously you have to state your opinions without digressing into name-calling. Personal attacks are a poison pill when it comes to getting a point across. I fully understand the desire to dismantle the arguments of those with whom you disagree, but doing so does not require needless antagonization.
Referring to Wiley as a liar and betrayer of students of color detracts from what I believe to be the article’s ultimate goal. If full funding for the MCSC and DES is the intention, this should be stated positively, without rancor.
Certainly Wiley should not have taken shots at the MCSC before the budget was voted on. It was an egregious mistake. This does not mean attacking him is an appropriate response. If you hold your beliefs to be true, they should stand on their merit alone. By attacking, you may signal the fallibility of your ideas, and give credence to the blathering of dissenters. There will always be people who disagree. What is important is to never waver in you beliefs.
I use Barrows as an example because of his recent article, but this does not mean he is the only person to use such a tactic. The practice of attacking people who hold differing views is prevalent in our society. This is wrong. The fact is, to have a broad understanding of life it is important to confront ideas and philosophies you do not agree with. If you are well-informed, you will possess the tools to explain your beliefs without getting personal. Those who think themselves intellectuals but do not seek information in every circumstance are doomed to ignorance. It is easy to only pay attention to people and media who hold beliefs similar to your own. This will not, however, make you a well-informed person. If for no other reason than ammunition, everyone should seek out views in conflict with their own.
James P. Kent (jkent@badgerherald.com) is a senior majoring in economics and business management.
