Dissent is Friendship
May 10, 2024
Dissent, disagreement, and exchanging opposing viewpoints are the cornerstones of a healthy democracy. Recently, I engaged in a spirited debate with a friend about the best approach to young people and their future.
The crux of our debate was whether we should be tough on young people to toughen them up, as my friend argued, or whether we should provide them with more support and affection, as I believed.
My friend argued that they'll become soft if we are not strict with young people. He pointed out that many young people today are struggling, and he believes it is because their parents have coddled them. He argued that the remedy is to be tough on them, to make them stronger and more resilient.
While I cannot entirely disagree with his assessment of the current generation, I am not convinced that being tough on young people is the solution. The reality is that many young people are facing significant challenges today. Their future is uncertain, and many of them are struggling with mental health issues.
Furthermore, I pointed out that many successful people today do not come from complex backgrounds. Often, the countries that provide the most support and security to their citizens produce the most successful and resilient individuals.
Contrary to what my friend believes, it is not the harsh, strict love approach that leads to success. Instead, I believe that young people need more security and affection, not less.
Based on developmental psychology, providing young people with a sense of security and affection is crucial for their future stability. It is not about being tough on them; it is about supporting them and helping them navigate their challenges.
In the end, my friend and I didn't see eye to eye on this issue. But that's okay. Our respectful disagreement is a testament to the strength of our friendship. Dissent among friends is normal and healthy. It challenges us to think critically, to defend our beliefs, and to consider other perspectives. And in the end, it makes us stronger.
So let's embrace dissent, let's welcome disagreement, and let's keep the conversation going. Because that's what democracy is all about. It's about the potential for growth and progress that comes from challenging our own beliefs and considering other perspectives.
Miguel Goede
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