Can we appreiciate peoples differences?

@isin07 (18)
United States
January 12, 2008 3:14pm CST
I recently had a discussion with a co-worker of mine, in which we debated about general american views on right/wrong. We focused primarily on the War on Terror. His point was that we were killing the enemy, we were going to win, we have to because they are evil and wrong. He believes like many people our point of view is the correct one. My argument was simple; is there really a right or wrong in this. I believe it is all a matter of perspective. If I were a terrorist, would I see myself as doing something evil or not? I may not agree or like what is going on, but I can apprieciate and understand both sides. I do realize that this is not the most popular answer but hey it's mine. Look, how can we seriously look at ourselves in the mirror and say that our way is the best. I may think pp&j is the best, but I couldn't make anyone else believe that too. I think if you impose your beliefs on others, you will ultimately create your own enemies. Simply take care and treat people with dignity and respect, and you will see a change in the way things go. Granted in the case of war your fighting the ones fighting you. That's fine, but there is no reason to treat every person who happens to be around like the enemy. I understand you may not be able to distinguish the two, and circumstances may be that you must protect yourself first. I would expect nothing less, but if there is no active engagement and you see someone why be rude and demeaning? I guess all I am saying is if we are culturally aware and respectful, we may do more good.
2 people like this
3 responses
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
12 Jan 08
I am a firm believer in live and let live, but unfortunately in this world today the world can not sit back and ignore the pleas of the suppressed and the poor countries that do not have the right to live in a country without haveing a choice to how it is run when they are being treated badly by dictators, there some countries with so much hatred on the countries who do live well because they have worked on the best for their country. and this is because we have the choice to pick the right person for the job. I am not an American but i find it hard seeing those countries with poor people being treated so badly while the leaders live richly, how can we turn our backs on such bad treatment, at least they should have the siimple right of choice..I wish it could all be fixed up and every single person in this world have the life they want anf not be forced to live like some are, and when things like 9/11 happen it can do things to people tocause hatred,suspicion and unforgiveness...I just wish things could be fixed and we could all care for each other in the time that we are all given...
@isin07 (18)
• United States
12 Jan 08
Yeah, I too feel sorry for those who live in "3rd world nations". I wish we could fix everyone as well. That is part of the reason I can understand how someone may want to turn to crime/terrorisim. I can understand wanting to make a better life for your family, and perhaps doing something that will be remembered. I can also understand how hate and anger can evolve. Like I said before, I don't like it, but I can understand it. Like you I wish everyone could live free to be who they wanted to be and live up to thier potentional.
1 person likes this
@bmcstye (14)
• Canada
12 Jan 08
Thank you! I was beginning to think that I was the only one who had a different thought about this. A lot of people that I talk to about it are for or against it, but they don't see the others point of view. Everyone has a right to their own opinion. That's what's great about the world. If everyone had the same thoughts, then conversations (such as this one) wouldn't be interesting.
2 people like this
@isin07 (18)
• United States
12 Jan 08
trust me you are not the only one!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for reading, and I look foward to seeing your points of view.
1 person likes this
@aries_0325 (3060)
• Philippines
12 Jan 08
Sometimes, there are people who are hard to understand and it is hard to get along if I have some discussion with that person because we have some common belief and view about the topic we discuss. And I tend to get it what I have in my own view.
2 people like this