Why Respect And Kindness Are So Important Right Now | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why Respect And Kindness Are So Important Right Now

Post-Election Thoughts

69
Why Respect And Kindness Are So Important Right Now

The day after the election, I went to class trying to prepare myself in every way for all the political talk that I knew was going to happen on my college campus. And sure enough, it did. But before I start, this article is not about political opinions or what I believe in or who won the election or anything to do with that matter. It's about something more fundamental than that.

My first Professor of the day came in and began to share her political opinion to the class, offering no chance for discussion or disagreement. But I sat there and listened. It wasn't until my second class that my Professor stood up in front of everyone and said, "I will not share my thoughts on the election, instead I will stand here and tell you that the most important thing you all can do right now is be kind to one another." And she is right. But unfortunately, this is not what I have seen.

Everyone has a right to their opinion. I would never undermine or disrespect that simple fact of life. Some can be swayed, others not so much. No one is "technically" right or wrong. Even though it is most definitely hard to convince ourselves of that. And I always try my best to respect the opinions of people who I very strongly disagree with, even though that is also hard.

It's just that in light of these past few days, no one has seemed to hold that kind of respect for one another. It is almost as if that idea was just completely thrown out the window. It is difficult to sit there and politely listen to someone belittling your views, when you know you would never do the same to them.

I have so many friends and family members who view politics differently than I do, but that reason would never make me think any less of them as a person. Not everyone is going to agree with you, but that is no reason to respond with animosity. No matter how you feel about the outcome of this election, whether it's anger or joy, take a second to think about the people in your life that you know and love, and could very well think differently than you, before you speak in a demeaning manner.

Yes, everyone has their right to their opinions, but how bout' respect the opinions of others too. Just because someone thinks differently doesn't mean they aren't an amazing person. The whole world doesn't revolve around you.

At the moment, I am very unsure if I am writing this because of sheer disappointment, or if it also has something to do with the fact that I've been missing out on a lot of food and puppy videos on Facebook. But either way, treat the people around you with kindness and love, no matter what.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
girl with a hat

This is for the girls who have dealt with an emotionally, mentally, physically or verbally abusive father.

The ones who have grown up with a false lens of what love is and how relationships should be. The ones who have cried themselves to sleep wondering why he hurts you and your family so much. This is for all the girls who fall in love with broken boys that carry baggage bigger than their own, thinking it's their job to heal them because you watched your mother do the same.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf Quote
"DESTINY IS FOR LOSERS. IT'S JUST A STUPID EXCUSE TO WAIT FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN INSTEAD OF MAKING THEM HAPPEN." - BLAIR WALDORF.

The world stopped in 2012 when our beloved show "Gossip Girl" ended. For six straight years, we would all tune in every Monday at 9:00 p.m. to see Upper Eastside royalty in the form of a Burberry headband clad Blair Waldorf. Blair was the big sister that we all loved to hate. How could we ever forget the epic showdowns between her and her frenemy Serena Van Der Woodsen? Or the time she banished Georgina Sparks to a Christian summer camp? How about that time when she and her girls took down Bart Bass? Blair is life. She's taught us how to dress, how to be ambitious, and most importantly, how to throw the perfect shade.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

11 Moments Every College Freshman Has Experienced

Because we made it, and because high school seniors deserve to know what they're getting themselves into

449
too tired to care

We've all been there. From move-in day to the first finals week in college, your first term is an adventure from start to finish. In honor of college decisions coming out recently, I want to recap some of the most common experiences college freshmen experience.

1. The awkward hellos on move-in day.

You're moving your stuff onto your floor, and you will encounter people you don't know yet in the hallway. They live on your floor, so you'll awkwardly smile and maybe introduce yourself. As you walk away, you will wonder if they will ever speak to you again, but don't worry, there's a good chance that you will make some great friends on your floor!

Keep Reading...Show less
laptop
Unsplash

The college years are a time for personal growth and success. Everyone comes in with expectations about how their life is supposed to turn out and envision the future. We all freak out when things don't go exactly as planned or when our expectations are unmet. As time goes on, we realize that the uncertainty of college is what makes it great. Here are some helpful reminders about life in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Lessons I Learned My Freshman Year

The first year of college opens your eyes to so many new experiences.

81
johnson hall
Samantha Sigsworth

Recently I completed my freshman year of college, and boy, what an experience. It was a completely new learning environment and I can't believe how much I learned. In an effort to save time, here are the ten biggest lessons I learned from my first year of college.

1. Everyone is in the same boat

For me, the scariest part of starting school was that I was alone, that I wouldn't be able to make any friends and that I would stick out. Despite being told time and time again that everyone had these same feelings, it didn't really click until the first day when I saw all the other freshman looking as uneasy and uncomfortable as me. Therefore, I cannot stress this enough, everyone is feeling as nervous as you.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments