The Army taught me many good and some not so good things when I served many years ago. I believe the most important concept I learned was the concept of Diversity. I was “forced” to live side-by-side with many different ethnicities during my time in the service and I came to realize (No-Choice) there were so many different ideas, customs and backgrounds that make up what an individual is and what they become in life.
Some were more fortunate than others but, in the end, common
sense, fairness and the respect of one’s fellow man was the foundation by which
to judge others and accept that interdependencies among individuals is what is
most needed. This involves debating, understanding another’s point of view and trying
to live in their shoes before rushing to judge others or at least respect them
for their point of view even if it is different than my own.
Years later while attending college and later when teaching
college in Michigan I was again faced with many students with different
backgrounds and beliefs. One of the most interesting was Labor vs. Management. It
became very apparent when teaching a Labor Relations Class. I was fortunate in
my career to serve both sides of the fence as a Union worker and later as a management
employee.
The class was always lively, but I demanded respect for
debating and to respect each person’s point of view. Nothing could be learned
if no one would at least listen to each other’s side of the story. Besides, if
you walked out or became unruly you received a failing grade. I did not expect
to have many change their point of view, but I believed college was a place to
openly express one’s free speech.
This is no longer true with so many divisions facing our
country today and the cancelling of each other when one does not agree with the
another’s point of view. This was sadly portrayed at the University of Michigan
this week when a number of future medical professionals (White Coats) walked
out of a ceremony because they did not agree with the Keynote Speakers point of
view. Hey, I don’t like the name “White Coats” I demand they change the name
because it’s racist in nature (Ridiculous).
This is troubling to me because are these people not going to treat or provide care if someone does not agree with their point of view. We are living in a dangerous time when the rights of free speech are under attack without anyone or institution having the guts to protect one’s right to their opinion.
We are witnessing the Demise of American Free Speech and Thought. I would have given those who walked out a failing grade.
