Discussion, a.k.a Devil?

Why are we scared of discussing? Democracy at its best is in fact the art of discussion. Atleast, thats what I think. You vote because you form opinions about issues, and what better way to do so than discussing with peers to provide a strong foundation to what you believe in. Today's Daily Cougar had an interesting article in the Opinion section : " Religious debate should be encouraged". The issue here is not talking about religion again, its rather the notion that there are things that are non-discussable(oh here I go with forming new words).

Off-late we are all frightened of having discussions/ debates because sensitive people might take offense to it. Their loss if they don't want to talk to you after that, you will definitely find someone else better! We go around banal topics just to save ourselves the trouble of finding topics that drive close to home. Are we scared that discussing issues might change us? I am sure some of you can relate to this. I, myself, find myself in situations like these. When some of us from the economics dept sit around and talk about things, the discussion somehow leads to free vs. fair market. Participants in the discussion include- a confused liberal Indian, a.k.a moi, a libertarian, a moderate conservative and a couple more here and there. We have the most random conversations and come out with changed or stronger opinions. Hell, we even sit in class together and whisper free or fair market (Yes that's a little too much, but you get the point). You learn more that way. Now, I am not going to go preaching that join our group, cause more often than not, you would be disgusted with us, but do not be afraid to discuss important things. How long are you going to discuss Anna Nicole's baby drama? Or the fact that who's going out with whom, or where are you going with your life? I am sure you are not actually interested in them. The worst are those that have no opinion at all since they think its a waste of time. Why say that, when we are all aware of the advantages of talking through things? Only when things affect us, are we more aware or rather finally aware of the situation we find ourselves in- and then we perform the classic act- BLAME GAME! At that point, such people need to really shut up and bear the consequences of their ignorance. Its never too late is just a feel-good phrase. Don't make it your lifestyle. "What do you think of such and such" is not a scary question. Answer it, and it will make you feel better. You might not always be in the mood to talk about certain things, but you certainly can talk about it sometime.

I don't know if any of this made sense, but I guess thats that.

Shreya