I sometimes try to test my level tolerance to opposing views. I deliberately listen and read opinions and articles that are contrary to mine.
Reason being that, if you are exposed to just opinions that are similar to yours; how do you accurately form your worldview?
And how do stay true to your belief, when you haven't had a choice to either discard or stay resolute?
Well, I have had to travel with a senior citizen from the North. The gentleman offers me free ride once in a while.
During these trips we discuss politics, history, government policies and even religion (we are of different beliefs).
But he is sympathetic to Buhari, always quick to point out what he is doing right and how the opposition are scuttling his administration to discredit his successes.
Inasmuch as I don't agree with this, I nod and smile at his views. If I don't, he might intensify his argument and lose control of the steering😂😂😂.
Not exactly though. I usually pass off his opinions because I feel there is a perspective he has chosen to look at the situation of which I'm either not privileged to or I simply know better.
We have had to argue about so many things, but because he is as old as my dad, I succumb most times. Plus, he is not good with opposing views.
He is highly educated, sadly he speaks highly of the North. He told me how the North is helping North Central. And how Yoruba people cannot do us any good.
And we should do away with the illusion that we are middle belt, as there is no such thing as the middle belt.
He also schooled me on history, unfortunately, I forgot the lessons as soon as he proudly spoke of how the past northern leaders have not been known to loot the commonwealth of the country.
They usually leave the office poor, and people rally round them to build houses for them, he said.
He added that their concerns have been developing the country.
I got lost! How well have they developed the country in over 30 years of their combined governance?
This entitlement mentality is commonplace in the North, even among the elitist, I thought.
Then, how do we make headway when we preach equality and unity?
How then do we begin to restructure this country in such a way that others aren't seen as entitled?
It is when we deal with the root of these Intolerances that the country will progress.
By Opeyemi Ologun
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