As the political season kicks into second gear, and the presumptive presidential nominees turn their attentions across the aisle, I am struck by the polarized speech exhibited by supporters of both political parties.

As human beings, we tend to surround ourselves with those who say what we want to hear, and we preach to the choir of our like-minded peers. Any dissenting opinion is often dismissed out of hand.

What are we so afraid of?

What is so threatening about intellectual discourse and intelligent debate with those who disagree with us?

I’ve made it a point over the past month or so to seek out different viewpoints, to speak with others who disagree with me. I’ve tried to read some news and opinion pieces in publications that lean differently than I do. I found that while I may initially dismiss a different viewpoint, I can often see the value in it, if I give myself a chance.

This kind of deliberate exposure can be very uncomfortable. And I recommend it highly.

There is so much more wisdom in this world than we can ever know. And we close ourselves off to the complexities and intricacies of God’s universe when we restrict ourselves to just one way of thinking.

Shimmy Feintuch, LCSW CASAC-G maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington Heights, NYC, with specialties in addictions and anxiety. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Contact: (530) 334-6882 or shimmyfeintuch@gmail.com. 

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