Not all young people across the world have the opportunity and freedom to debate their ideas. Currently, here in the UK we can, but in order to ensure we can keep this right, what do we need to do? In this fascinating article, Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group Member Iona tells us the answer.
A short while ago, the UK witnessed the third horrific murder of a British political figure in recent years. Whether you agreed with Anne Widdecombe’s polarising views or not, it would be hard not to acknowledge the fact that she was sincere, hard-working and determined, and many politicians from across different parties have paid tribute to the profound and positive impact that she had over the course of her career.
Regardless of the motives behind the attack, which are still under investigation by counter-terrorism police, the horrific event leaves us wondering where our country is heading. Whatever the final investigation reveals, it’s a lesson to us all to remember that targeted violence, such as the attack that ended her life, often represent the tragic endpoint of extreme intolerance.
Surely no-one would wish that attack on anyone, but that doesn’t mean we’re doing enough as individuals to stand against intolerance. Shutting people down is a mistake young people are capable of making – it’s not just governments or extremist organisations who do this. If we stop engaging with opposing viewpoints and instead seek to ban them, we end up fostering radicalisation rather than resolution. Instead we have to be willing to hear out those we disagree with. To ensure we’re making progress together as a society, every one of us must always remember that a healthy democracy requires a ‘marketplace of ideas’ where even the most controversial views can be heard and challenged openly. After all, it’s only through robust, respectful debate – not suppression or violence – that we can create a positive environment for lasting change.
That’s why removing people’s platforms (like social media) is not the solution – it only makes polarised audiences more vociferous, and may even increase the supporters of fringe ideas. On the other hand debate gives everyone the chance to explain their viewpoints, and if your thinking is correct, then you’ll find that in the end, your arguments will be stronger.
Silencing people we don’t like or don’t share views with originates from hate and creates fear. It poisons democracy and makes people feel that violence is the way forward. Clearly the heartbreaking aftermath of the horrific knife attack in Belfast back in June was a poignant example of this. There are people in the UK on all sides who no longer feel that their frustration is heard, meaning they are resorting to criminal activities like burning people out of their houses in order to put their message across to the government.
Unless we want these types of incidents to be repeated, we need to be the ones to promote free speech, and to do this we must ensure we are happy to listen to those people who have concerns, even if we don’t agree. If we want to make a point, we must use good arguments to defeat bad ideas, because silencing them doesn’t lead to positive consequences.
It’s our privilege that we have the right to debate our views and concerns, and if we want to enjoy that freedom, then we have a responsibility to listen to views that are different to ours. So next time you hear someone saying something you don’t like, or think is incorrect, don’t make assumptions, try to understand where they’re coming from, and then discuss why you think they’re wrong. After all, we can all learn something from listening to each other. And, if the British public give each other respect, maybe the government will do the same and hear their frustration before feelings turn to criminality.
Iona
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
