New Era Newspaper

New Era Epaper
Icon Collap
...
Home / Dispatched Thoughts - Let’s all share our opinions

Dispatched Thoughts - Let’s all share our opinions

2021-11-03  Olavi Popyeinawa

Dispatched Thoughts - Let’s all share our opinions

There is a lot that still has to be addressed in this country.  The number of controversial topics and issues that have to be addressed could go on for years before we fully understand and settle them.

But that is okay because, ultimately, we all need to strive for a goal – and the more common that goal is, the better it is for everyone involved. 

Hard conversations are a necessity for the growth and advancement of our society – and this year, we haven’t been short on them. 

From genocide reparations to mandatory vaccination, the Red Line and veterinary cordon fence, ReconAfrica’s oil exploration and recently with abortion, there is a lot of opinions to be shared.

If you took the time to listen and follow what is being said on any of those topics, you would quickly realise that every person has had a different experience with each of them – some personal and close, while others are concerned on the behalf of others and the environment. 

They all make valid points – and most of them make sense and are reasonable. Their opinions matter.

Sometimes, it’s not about trying to figure out who is right or who is wrong. 

As we have seen with some of the debates that have been happening, people just want to be recognised and others to be heard; they want to know their concerns, fears and worries don’t just fall on deaf ears, but they are acknowledged and understood.

Sometimes, we seem to forget that we are a very diverse nation – something like our rainbow neighbour. Neighbours don’t always get along, but they do have a common understanding and mutual respect towards private and personal spaces. 

So, as a diverse nation, we should always be mindful that there will always be others with different opinions from ours – and we should hear and acknowledge them – just like they do with us.

It’s important to remember that even though you are allowed to share your opinions and say what you want, essentially, it’s your responsibility to know who you are talking to and how you talk to them, because right where your rights end, the next person’s rights start.

Let’s remember that we deal and live with our brothers and sisters – and there is no reason to attack or shun them; they are just like us.  Let’s attack and address the issues; they are what brought us here after all.

 

- Olavi Popyeinawa

Twitter: @olavipopyeinawa

Email: olavipopyeinawa@gmail.com


2021-11-03  Olavi Popyeinawa

Share on social media