The Other Side

We root for political parties whose ideologies resonate with our beliefs. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with believing in an ideology—it gives us purpose, aligns us with a community, and often helps us navigate complex decisions. However, what becomes problematic is the conviction that the ideology of others is utterly baseless or misguided.

Rarely do we have the courage to look at the other side. Why is that? Perhaps it’s because we fear that doing so might shake the very foundation of what we believe to be true. If we truly looked at the other side with honesty, we might have to accept that not everything we stand by is infallible. Some opinions might crumble, some viewpoints might shift, and the discomfort of admitting we were wrong might be too much to bear.

This reluctance isn’t limited to political ideologies. In everyday life, we are hesitant to see things from perspectives that challenge our own. Whether it’s a disagreement with a colleague, a rift in a relationship, or a debate on social issues, we often stay rooted in our version of the story. But is this stubbornness worth the cost?

When we refuse to look at the other side, we deny ourselves the opportunity to grow. Acknowledging another perspective doesn’t mean abandoning our own; it means broadening our understanding. It means recognizing that truth is rarely one-dimensional and that multiple narratives can coexist, each with its own validity.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in her famous TED Talk "The Danger of a Single Story," reminds us of the pitfalls of seeing the world through a single lens. She warns us about the stereotypes that arise when we only hear one side of a story. These stereotypes may not always be false, but they are incomplete, robbing us of a fuller, richer understanding of reality.

This danger is ever-present in a polarized world. We are quick to label, dismiss, and even vilify those who hold opposing views, forgetting that they, too, have their reasons, experiences, and truths. The refusal to engage with the other side creates echo chambers where our beliefs are amplified but rarely questioned.

But what if we dared to step outside this comfort zone? What if we consciously tried to see the world from another’s vantage point? Would we not discover that the “other side” has its merits too? That perhaps their fears, hopes, and aspirations are not so different from ours?

Giving credit where it’s due does not weaken our stance; it strengthens it. It shows that we are secure enough in our beliefs to accommodate complexity. It demonstrates humility, empathy, and the courage to learn.

So, let’s pause and reflect. What stops us from looking at the other side? Is it fear? Ego? Or simply inertia? Whatever the reason, the cost of remaining blind to alternate perspectives is too high.

Let’s begin by listening—not to argue, but to understand. Let’s be open—not to convert, but to connect. Let’s look at the other side—not to change our beliefs entirely, but to enrich them.

In the end, seeing the other side doesn’t make us weaker; it makes us wiser. And in a world that desperately needs wisdom, that’s a side worth being on.