I often wonder why so many people try to silence those with opposing viewpoints, yet expect everyone to listen to theirs.
The political divide is a prime example—those on the right often express intense disdain for MSNBC, while those on the left feel the same about Fox News. When someone from the right shares their perspective, it can trigger anger from the left, and vice versa. It makes me question: have we been conditioned—perhaps even brainwashed—to fear and hate each other?
Diversity is meant to be a strength. It’s literally the “D” in DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion). Yet, it seems that when it comes to diverse viewpoints — especially those that challenge personal beliefs — many who advocate for DEI respond with anger rather than openness.
They don’t want Diverse opinions. They offer no Equity to ideas that oppose theirs. And they refuse to Include others who don’t align politically. Ironically, this undermines the very foundation of what DEI stands for.
Of course, this issue isn’t exclusive to one side. Republicans can also be quick to judge and dismiss the principles of DEI when those values clash with their political stance. So much so, some even want to remove the concept from government policy altogether.
And here’s a sobering thought: rearrange the letters in DEI, and you get DIE. A reflection, perhaps, of what happens to freedom of speech when it’s suppressed.
💬 Free Speech or Filtered Speech?
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right, especially here in the U.S. But when we silence others, freedom itself begins to erode.
Refusing to listen and empathize with different perspectives is like walking through life with blinders on. It’s easy to follow a straight path, one paved by familiar media narratives, without ever realizing we might be missing an entire landscape of understanding.
Real freedom doesn’t just come from speaking our truth. It comes from the willingness to listen, to consider, and to understand perspectives we’ve never encountered or embraced.
🌍 Maybe It’s Not About Who’s Right
Maybe the goal of life isn’t to prove who’s right or wrong. Maybe it’s to connect.
To connect without judgment. To listen without assumptions. To bridge rivers, not build dams.
It is perfectly okay to have our own opinions, and to vote our conscience. But when it comes to judging others—especially those who think differently—maybe we need less certainty and more humility.
Because maybe, just maybe, learning to live with and love each other is enough.
And maybe that’s the highest form of freedom we can ever hope to achieve.
The Middle Voice – Editorial Reflections from GreatDayNews.com