Primary school

What does it say for our tolerance and the ability of humankind to co-exist when the young ‘uns don’t want to be friends with people who don’t share their beliefs?

In a survey in the UK among young teens and adults, a full 37% responded that they couldn’t be friends with someone who held a different viewpoint. Assuming that percentage is representative of youth everywhere else, does it mean humanity is destined to again start living in a world full of tribes?

We’ve seen it. Enraged individuals scorching the earth just because they’ve come across something they disagree with. It’s the cancel culture, the swipe left, and the press the unfriend button convenience we’ve become used to. We don’t like something, then we tune them out. Block them. Talk to the hand.

It becomes worse when we think about how rage baiting has become profitable. Clicks turn into cash, so the more clicks triggered by an upsetting incident, the more moolah. Even reputable news outlets deploy videos of stabbings and car crashes so they can catch the attention (and cash) of upset readers.

The more upset, the more violent the reaction. Unfortunately, it also means less tolerance. Especially if that’s what everybody in your circle is echoing around you.

But all these may be coaching our young that turning one’s back is the right approach to disagreement. The kids aren’t being taught, or primed, that in some scenarios, dialogue might be the better alternative. Yes, the path ahead might be more arduous, or trickier to navigate, but the reflex shouldn’t be to throw the towel. Maybe, conversing about differences might actually be worthwhile.

In an era where we see polarization, the radical left and the radical right trying to out-radicalize each other, the knee-jerk reactions, the name-calling and the instant labeling that occurs when competing factions meet --it’s not a pretty sight. Or a comfortable place to be. More importantly, it’s not conducive to reaching understanding, consensus, or a decision.

Instead of reaching broad-based agreement, decisions are rammed through and forced upon participants. And that exacerbates the division.

Do we blame algorithms and echo chambers for this current state? Do we blame Artificial Intelligence for zeroing in on people’s weaknesses, catering to them, and pretty much insulating recipients into tiny safe cocoons that soothe them into more tolerable worlds, comforting safe harbors that don’t ruffle feathers or prick consciences?

Why is there such a divide as to whether there is genocide in Gaza? Why is it so difficult to convince people that extra-judicial killing is actually murder (and yes, that’s bad)? Why do we face resistance when the word “immigrant” is uttered, and the reception is, immediately, instinctively, and without need of any further triggers, either positive or negative? “Muslim” could be another example, or “homosexual”.

Perhaps, it’s a good idea to “force” friendships upon those who are different. Nothing like confronting “hard” truths when it’s coming from a friend, right? We should have more mixers where kids from polar opposites can encounter each other. Something like soirées for boys and girls. Artsy kids bonding with sporty kids. Music enthusiasts with quiet-loving bookworms. Conservatives with progressives. Atheists with Protestants.

Did you see that video of that Texan adult attacking a high school kid who was protesting against ICE, and then the other protesting kids piled on him as a result? How did you feel? What was the instant reaction? Who did you side with?

Now, write an essay. Something along the topic of, what should an adult do in a situation when confronted with opposing beliefs?

(Hint - the answer is not assault.)