In our politically charged world, it seems as if every debate ends only in frustration and without solution. Each side stands strong and resistant to their opponent’s opinion. Let me rephrase: another human being’s opinion. As a society, we have had a strong focus not only on letting our opinions be heard, but onmaking sure that the other party is proven wrong. But what is right? What is wrong? How does one define such relative terms? Can my right and your wrong coexist?

These types of conversations typically leave many individuals feeling more frustrated than content at the end of the discussion. Conversations are meant for people to talk through their problems, not to create more. We have become so accustomed to the “my way or the highway” mentality that we have lost empathy for others’ perspectives and opinions. Why can’t we both be right? Just because I don’t agree with your opinion doesn’t mean that I have to deny your reality to elevate my truth.

Often, we focus on differences rather than similarities. No, I am not saying that we should disregard race, class, gender, or sex, but we should put a greater emphasis on commonalities that bring together our community and society. Becoming “color blind” restricts people’s identity and their full story from being heard. I believe that having conversations about “differences” is important at the same time. Differences are similar to trees that are 100 years old. Branches stem off in various directions and grow farther apart over time, but where did it all start? Didn’t they all start as seeds? Didn’t they all grow together? What made them part ways?

We as humans all come from the same tree. Experiences and socialization have made us all unique individuals, and we should not abandon our uniqueness. However, we should start our conversations from the origin. Rather than ostracizing other people’s opinions, it is essential to delve deeper into conversations and figure out the “why.” Why do you think that way? What experiences shaped you into thinking the way that you do? It is through these conversations that our perspective changes; even if one doesn’t agree, they can at least see someone else’s point of view. The more lenses you have, the more educated and better off you will be.

It pains me to see, especially around times of elections, friendships being lost due to differences. People lack the realization that others experience different things, and this leads to us value things differently. One could value a non-traditional political candidate whereas someone else could value the importance of political knowledge and experience. Understand others and the way that they operate before jumping to the conclusion that their reality is false and only yours is true.

I challenge you all as readers to have a conversation. Whether it is about race, politics, or sexual orientation, conversations must be had. The only way to push forward in society is if we work through our problems. I challenge you to not have extremist views and to try to have moderate viewpoints. Live in someone else’s shoes. See what they see. Feel what they feel. Racism hurts everyone. Sexism hurts everyone. Heal our country, which is built on the basis of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, some think we all enjoy these inalienable rights. Tell that to the kids that live in Compton. Tell that to the kids that live in mansions who don’t have to worry about their next meal. Will their answers be the same? I would be shocked if they were.

Yes, we all believe in opportunity, but is it really equal opportunity if someone starts 10 yards from the finish line and someone else starts 100 yards back? That person 100 yards back could work just as hard if not harder and never make the finish line in their lifetime. A single mother could be working three jobs to provide for her kids and still not make as much money as someone else who started at the 10. Life is not fair, but why can’t that person at the 10 meet the person at the 100 half way?

Empathize. Feel others’ pain. Listen to their story. Push yourself to see like someone else. Help those who have fallen down. Cross the finish line together. Spread love. Overcome the hate. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”