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Difference of Opinion by Dr Anthony Dillion A Conservative Perspective
Stephen Hagan asked me to contribute to his new venture. I was a little surprised given that he knows that my views go against the grain. However, this never stopped him from publishing every one of my letters to the NIT when he was the Editor. And every letter was one that challenged popular beliefs. Obviously, he sees value in differences of opinion and allowing people to express those opinions. My contribution to the First Nations Telegraph will be to present topics for which there will often be much disagreement. So why would I do that? Very simply, because existing beliefs often need to be questioned. We should not believe a view/opinion is true simply because it is popular. Progress is made by challenging prevailing beliefs and opinions. Just think where we would be if the Wright brothers did not challenge popular views at the time they set about building an aircraft. In Aboriginal affairs, I believe there is much that should be challenged and questioned. Amongst those who are interested in Aboriginal affairs, any questioning of popular views is often strongly opposed. Those with opposed views are often ridiculed and seen as the enemy. Given that I will, over the coming weeks, discuss topics/issues where disagreements
Anthony Dillon with former United States President Bill Clinton. Image supplied
exist, I thought it would be worthwhile to discuss why people oppose counter views. But first, and most importantly, being in conflict with others is not a problem. Conflict can lead to solving problems and making life better or more enjoyable. It is negative conflict that is the problem. Negative conflict is simply where we lose respect for the person we disagree with. I am going to challenge you, the reader right now, and suggest a claim you may find blasphemous: we only lose respect for others after first losing respect for ourselves. Now if you disagree
with that claim, I just ask that we agree to disagree at this point. So why are people uncomfortable with views that oppose theirs? Philosopher Anthony De Mello said that people don’t oppose embracing new beliefs, but rather, they oppose letting go of old beliefs. Some popular old beliefs are “Everything is okay”, “It’s the government’s fault” and “Things will get better by themselves”. Some people don’t want to let those beliefs go. Is it possible that such beliefs prevent us from having to face some uncomfortable truths? There are many issues negatively impacting on Aboriginal people,
but for which very few wish to openly discuss. In my commentaries, I have discussed and continue to discuss those topics that many wish to avoid discussing, such as violence, smoking, Aboriginal identity, self-determination, responsibility, welfare, etc. But I believe that if we fail to discuss them simply because we are uncomfortable discussing them, then the problems facing Aboriginal people will not resolve themselves, they will only get worse. So let’s not be afraid to disagree with one another. Let’s discuss those topics we have been afraid to discuss, and let’s do so with respect for one another.
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