Many people tell my generation that we can make a difference. We are told that we will soon be creating new things, solving big problems, and leaving our mark.
But I’m only 12 and I can’t even vote. I have no say on finding solutions to problems. Right now, you are the adults. You are the ones who have a voice, not me – not yet. The problem is adults can’t seem to find a way to reach enough consensus to take any action on the things that matter most. Everyone is so absorbed in their own reality that my future is being jeopardized. It’s time to think about the world beyond your years and your situation.
Polarization has always existed, but has become more impactful in our current world and not in a good way. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of polarization is “to break up into opposing factions or groupings.” Diversity of opinion is a good thing for society, but not when those opinions are so far from each other.
Let’s look at the pandemic. The last two years have created segregation in families, relationships and communities. I am sure all of us know someone whom you have judged because they are either vaccinated or unvaccinated. That choice has become part of a person’s identity and how others perceive them. Recently, the same judgmental behaviour has happened with the convoy in Ottawa and throughout Ontario.
Politics have always been polarizing. Most adults likely have had an argument with a friend over different viewpoints on policy and governance. We often choose our friends based on similar views. Canadians look south of the border, and we see how strong the divide is between Democrat and Republican. More and more, we observe the same set viewpoints towards Liberal and Conservative. It feels like you are signing up for a life membership. There has to be a move to a more “happy medium” for our future to be better.
With little research, anyone can understand that polarization is a negative thing. Consider climate change. Some believe that climate change (global warming in particular) is caused by humans, while others believe that global warming is the result of natural causes. When it comes to finding a solution, money is always a divider. There are those that say solutions to climate change will ruin the economy while others suggest there is an opportunity. All the while, the temperature continues to increase.
Recently, there have been greater divides between rich and poor. A modern issue is equity is the Indigenous rights to water. There are many communities that are deprived of something so basic such as water. Every human should have access to water, shelter, food and enough money to survive, but there are many Indigenous communities that are deprived of water. They have been promised help, but haven’t received it when needed. What is a promise worth without it being fulfilled? Nothing.
Somehow we need to agree with each other to help people have their most basic life needs. In the past couple years, we haven’t been focusing on quality health care, we’ve been arguing over a single vaccine. There are some people who medically can’t take certain vaccines, are we now going to argue and lose healthy relationships over this? We should be having conversations about how to improve our health-care systems instead of having heated debates over one of many vaccines. Ultimately, polarization is creating a situation where big problems don’t get solved.
Let’s make polarization shrink into the shadows. I have three main suggestions. Above anything, we need to be kind. This starts with not judging each other. Kindness comes from patience and acceptance. For example, during the Black Lives Matter movement, there were people who also waved “All Lives Matter” signs. BLM was meant to bring awareness to how mistreated black people were/are treated, but it quickly became polarized. Regardless of your viewpoint, people reacted to the hashtag without empathy and understanding of the issues at hand. It became all about the starting word.
This also speaks to my second next step: we need to listen. We all have different opinions, and sometimes, we can be too strong with our beliefs. By preaching, and not listening, we become set in our ways. Hearing what others say is the key to reducing polarization. If everyone feels they are right, then no effective solutions will be found. The other person speaking may have some viewpoints that could be perceived as “wrong.” However, by listening, we can know how they feel, and those feelings are driving their opinions. When we treat a fellow human being as a human, listen to their side of the story – their words, then change can happen.
When we have heard the voice of others, my third point becomes relevant: be open-minded and reflective. Consider the following questions: Am I being kind? Have I heard the other viewpoint? How do I know my thoughts are correct? In Michael Jackson’s song “Man In the Mirror,” he sings about not being the judge for someone else, but a judge for yourself. If we are kind, if we listen, and if we reflect, our ideas will be closer to each other and real discussions can happen. Then, we can start to solve the many problems facing our society… and our future.
Polarization will never be permanently gone, but if we unite, we can make polarization surrender. We need to work on how we can unite and make polarization surrender again and again. Don’t let segregation get in our way, don’t allow heated debates to take our world. Take a moment… think… process… consider a different viewpoint.
Here’s a piece of advice, next time you talk with someone and you have different opinions, remember to be kind, don’t judge, or criticize. Instead, listen to other people’s opinions, reflect and learn to change. Please help slow the spread of polarization. Make my generation’s future have a better outlook and let my generation’s 12-year-old voice be heard.
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Ally Rogers is a student at North Perth Westfield Elementary School.
