The Salt Lake Tribune has had articles lately questioning the value of character education in schools, which school will best fit my values, and which groups have the moral high ground.
We are trying to divide ourselves into “us and them,” the good and the bad, which is ugly to do and makes only scary sense.
The answer should be simple. If we don’t thoughtfully listen to everyone, we could miss choosing the wisest solutions.
I had great history teachers who taught both sides of issues and events from first-hand accounts. Then, we students were assigned to connect choices with consequences to see which were the best. Most consequences were logical based on the information, but many serious mistakes were illogical and dangerous due to lack of information. Was there a better choice that wasn’t considered because a voice was missing?
Character values determine our choices and actions. Where do we want to end up, and what are we willing to do to get there? If we want liberty and justice for all, then are we willing to share opportunities, listen to differing opinions, value all voices? Or do we want to choose private roads that only others like me can travel?
Should there be stops along the way that slow me down so that another can catch up? Should I avoid these places?
We see this in races. Who is willing to stop, go back, and pick up a fellow who fell before either crosses the finish line? Will my choices stop others from reaching the finish line altogether?
Believing that oneself or one’s group has all the correct answers or is most deserving is dangerous in a democratic society and scary in an authoritarian one. Choosing to isolate ourselves and our children from different opinions is an unwise choice in a free society, and the consequences are dangerous for us all.
Beverly Terry, Salt Lake City
