Just like Us?

It is important for students to be well-rounded members of society. In order to be productive members of any society, one must be able to think beyond one’s own opinions and hear the thoughts of others. This is how growth and change occur.  Week 3’s reading “Just Like Us?” will help students to me course objective number two “help students become responsible citizens, capable of transcending the confines of specialized knowledge.” By reading examples of a well constructed and thought out conversation with differing opinions, students will be able to view a model of what a conversation should be.

        “Just Like Us?” was a discussion forum about the treatment of animals and the morals behind it. The panelists were respectful of each other’s points of view.  There were many exchanges throughout the reading in which the panel did not agree on their views. One of these examples occurred when the panel was discussing animal testing on products for human discussing. Each member of the panel was allowed to speak their own thoughts without interruption. It is important for students in today’s society to understand that this is a must when having a conversation with differing viewpoints. Each panelist felt that his or her ideas and beliefs were heard. It does not mean that the panelists agreed all the time; it only means that they were respectful in the discussion. This is important to demonstrate for students to understand differing opinions on matters.

        Another way in which reading this forum will help students to “become responsible citizens, capable of transcending the confines of specialized knowledge” is by seeing that not only were these panelists allowed to speak their beliefs, but they were actually listened to by the others in the discussion. What students in today’s society do not seem to understand is that there is a difference between hearing and listening. In order to actually listen to someone, you have to pause and take in to your brain the words and thoughts that they other individual is communicating.  Each person in this discussion had their own arguments both for and against the treatment of animals, but everyone acknowledged the differing points of view and actually took them in. This is something that becomes harder to do in this society of social media. Students in today’s world must be able to do this and by reading examples such as “Just Like Us?”, they are able to see a successful conversation with both a give and a take.

        Hot button issues in today’s society are almost taboo. People are afraid to voice their opinions either for an issue or against an issue for fear of what type of feedback they will receive. Another example of how the reading “Just Like Us?” allows students to view examples of good feedback that is given between people having a discussion with varying opinions.  In the reading, many of the panelists disagree, but they can still see the value in the other person’s opinions and they express these values back and forth. They acknowledge with another person in the dialogue makes a point that intrigues them or makes them rethink their stance on an issue. This is yet again a skill that today’s students just do not seem to having. By reading examples of how to give feedback, students will learn what to do and what not to do in a proper conversation.