The Sound Of Intellect
My website isn’t political, so I will refrain from using it as a medium to share my opinions on recent events. I am not here to validate or invalidate your beliefs, but, if you are intrigued to know what I think, feel free to ask me. The influx of differing reactions and opinions that have spread across varying media outlets has compelled me to say something. Within this past month, I have noticed a few recurring observations that, I believe, need to be acknowledged. Unfortunately, what should be a constructive conversation has turned into a rivalry among the people who are the most far removed (funny how that works). If you take the time, you might realize that this pattern is prevalent in all aspects of life. Every occurrence in the public eye, especially one that has the potential to question one’s morality, will encourage distracting voices to join a conversation they aren’t necessarily equipped to. To converse for the sake of conversing, and to obtain the right to say “I am a good person.” Regardless of how novel it will be to them, even if they haven’t consumed enough information to confidently reach an educated conclusion. Between listeners and talkers, most people are talkers. Everyone is eager to be a part of the conversation and have their opinions heard, but, it doesn’t matter whether it is their own or just merely a reflection of those around them. Whether it is a global discussion or a recount of last night, people are not only keen to know but say something about it. Yet, it is important to differentiate which conversations are meant for you and those that are not. Sometimes, a contribution can be more harmful than the lack thereof. Failure to have a proper grasp of a subject matter dilutes the conversation with information that is either false or a fraction of the truth. Both of these poisons lead to outcomes and delusions that prevent the most obvious course of action from taking place. Instead, it diverts the whole conversation to become farther and farther from the truth and a resolution. To be clear, I am not saying that there shouldn’t be two sides that disagree with each other. I encourage disagreements, but only between those who are knowledgeable enough to disagree in the first place. All other misinformed dialogue is frankly useless. Regardless of whatever it may be, it is okay to not know, but you have to admit that to yourself. It only becomes wrong when you use incomplete and broken intelligence as an effective way to communicate. Before posting a story or privately messaging another (like me), ask yourself whether or not you know enough about the information you are about to spread. Do not expect others to be your teacher or honesty to find you. Using your voice is a privilege, so only use it after you have adequately fact-checked and reasonably used your intellect to form a viewpoint. A misguided opinion is an irrelevant one. Don’t talk about things you know nothing about - it’s quite simple really.
- With Love, Fiza Usman
