Why Do We Fail to Understand Each Other? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Do We Fail to Understand Each Other?

From my experience, I came to reaffirm my position that youth are inherently powerful and unlimitedly capable.

603
Why Do We Fail to Understand Each Other?
Devian Art

There are a sh*t ton of news sources all over the place. Nowadays, information has become so handy that we can easily follow up on various life trends from all over the world. This helps us achieve and engage in globalization. However, as far as I understand globalization, there needs to be understanding among each other; an understanding between cultures, generations and inter-generations as well. Coming from a diverse background, I've come to realize by my teenage years that the system of humanity was not going well. This is not to blame humanity but to blame our lack of commitment to live by its standards.

What concerns me is the lack of large scale cooperation between youth across different cultures. Youth are the drive behind change, improvement and leadership in any society. All societies are aware of that. Yet, I came to notice that many Americans are not actually well-rounded on the interests, stories and ideas of many Middle Easterners. Why I am saying this? Well, because, aside from the fact that I am a Middle Easterner by myself, I have immersed myself extensively in both areas. From my experience, I came to reaffirm my position that youth are inherently powerful and unlimitedly capable. But I also came to notice, that we are still lacking a lot.

After being an exchange student for a year in high school. I came to represent my mixed Pakistani-Yemeni background but also culture, religion and the aspirations of my generation. It was a success. I hoped I had built a new bridge between the two cultures. This bridge is reinforced by sharing stories, spreading messages of love and hope. I was really excited to make such a humble impact on humanity. However, as years came by, I began to lose that hope.

The loss of hope struck me the most in the latest elections in which unfortunately, a bigot was won. I saw media reporting racism, hate and anger instead of love and humanity. I told myself: this is very saddening, what is happening to the world and what have we done wrong? I began to question whether all what I did during my exchange year in the United States was ever useful? Answering that question was very difficult and it brought me a lot of pain whenever I thought about it.

I forced myself to think in more constructive ways. Perhaps, one of the very first conclusions that I jumped into was that hate tends to stick around in a stronger way than love. Yet, it doesn’t stay for long. This time, we are facing a wave of hate. Unfortunately, even the brightest souls quickly picked it up. It could be human psychology or it could be an ideological weakness in their minds. But, no one is perfect, so maybe hate plays on our weaker, unconscious side. Love is profoundly beautiful yet for some reason, people overlook it. On the other hand, hate, like an old friend use to say, is a disease. That being said, it requires a great amount of courage to fight that disease. Perhaps we could start by convincing ourselves that hate is a swift damaging phenomenon that shouldn’t impact our presence in this universe.

Nowadays, I am back in the United States after several years for a short college experience. I was standing there at Pennsylvania Avenue as Trump was being sworn in. I felt terrified and I was nervous. I knew that dark times are going to come and I already felt that the two forces of evil and good were fighting against each other. Yet, the next day, the Women’s March on Washington was live and it was one of the happiest days in my life. Since then, I have been participating in various protests to send a strong message to the community around me.

When we think of who is right and who is wrong, we will fail to reach anywhere. We keep judging people but we fail to evaluate and improve ourselves. We blame others because naturally as humans, we do not want to be held accountable for any wrongdoings. This creates hate. We should instead focus on understanding our problems, talking about our differences and sharing our ideas. As a teenager, I came to respect the American nation and I saw a huge potential in it. I saw a lot of hardworking students, employees, and families who not just want to improve their lives, but to give back to humanity. Similarly, in the Middle East, I saw a lot of bright minds, a lot of brilliant souls and a lot of aspiring communities. I believe, that we should work together regardless of any differences and regardless of the evil forces. After all, we are humans and that alone is powerful enough to unite us against evil.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
12 Things To Do On A Snow Day

Everyone loves a snow day! Whether you decide to call out sick from work or your classes get canceled, it is a great way to spend time with family and friends.

1. Build a snowman

People brave enough to face the weather can go outside to build an adorable man made of snow. Relive those childhood glory days, but remember to bundle up!

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate
NBC Universal

Everyone who is in college right now, or has ever been, knows the struggle of pulling in the strings at the last second. It seems impossible, and you have to do a LOT of things in order to assure your future for the next semester.

April Ludgate, historically, is a very annoyed person, and she doesn't hide it. Of all the times that I binged and re-binged "Parks and Rec," her attitude relates more and more to me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

To The Cheerful Person On Their Rainy Days, You Are Valid

The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

486
pug covered with blanket on bedspread
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

Ask friends of mine to name a quality about me, and one a lot them will point out the fact that I am almost always smiling. I like to laugh and smile -- not to quote Buddy the Elf in April, but smiling is my favorite! It is probably my favorite go-to expression. However, what a lot of people do not see is that I have my down days. I have days when smiling and laughing is a real struggle, or when I have so much on my plate that going out of my way to behappy takes more effort than I have stored in me. Be it a symptom of college and growing up or a facet of life, I cannot always be content.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

11 Struggles of Packing for College

It would be so much easier to just pay someone to do it for you

505
a room with boxes and a window

1. Figuring out when to start

Timing is key, you don’t want to start too early or too late.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times 'Parks and Recreation' Has Summed Up Your Life

Relatable moments from one of the best shows I have ever watched.

362
parks and rec
Liz Keysmash

Amidst my hectic college career, I always find time for one thing, even on the busiest weeks: Parks and Recreation. This show has made me laugh and has made me cry, but most of all I have related to this show more than I would like to admit.

Here are some "Parks and Rec" moments that relate to life struggles that just about everyone faces.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments