Personal Narrative: My Class Modern American Studies

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“Opinions are like armpits; everyone has two and they both stink.” My middle school orchestra teacher used to tell this statement to us frequently. Well, not exactly. The quote she used said ‘excuses,’ not ‘opinions,’ but I believe it is still a testament to our political and social discourse. In a time of government transition, heightened awareness of global issues, and our own scientific discoveries, listening to what another person has to say can be challenging. We would rather live in an echo chamber that validates our own stances than have discussions to further our understanding or open us up to new ideas. But this is not the solution to a growing problem. The world needs more leaders, both government and community, to ponder the beliefs …show more content…
It covers the Constitution, the three branches of government, and various administrative structures and concepts. One unit was political parties. We had to create what my teacher called a “Personal Party Platform” that established our beliefs on a wide range of controversial topics, and then compare with a partner. Throughout prior brief conversations regarding our opinions, I learned that my best friend and I disagree on several fundamental views. What I did not know was the astonishing reality: for every stance she held, mine was the contrary. There was not even an in between; we were at complete odds. Rather than one of us criticize the other and put her opinion above the rest, we discussed what made us believe one way and allowed for the other’s voice to be heard. Our opinions failed to change. We still hold our beliefs as fact. But these simple disagreements did not change our friendship, or the way we think of each other. The specifics of life may not line up between her and I; however, the underlying kindness to all creatures and desire to help and make the world a better place continues to remain a common theme. Listening to another’s views is important, but so is the understanding that without complete agreement we are still human and want the same things for our lives and those of …show more content…
Science is founded on the fact that theories can be tested and accepted or refuted, thus making discoveries and building on current knowledge. Learning cannot happen without disagreement and wanting the truth over being right, but also taking information and deciding its validity or error. Even students in science classes are demonstrating this process. The reason the step hypothesis is in the scientific method is to allow for a concept to be disproven or recognized through investigation. Going into an experiment or lab without a preconceived agenda, only a hope for discovery, is the sole way to learn. Science is about trying out an idea, no matter the feasibility, and benefitting scholars to come. For example, prior to Nicolaus Copernicus in 1543, the Earth was said to be the center of our solar system. Copernicus knew of this standpoint and thought about its legitimacy, while realizing the theory was in fact mistaken and altered his thinking as well as that of scientists. He was able to consider previous knowledge without accepting it, though the viewpoints were both popular and expected. Society broadened its ideologies due to people contemplating the world before them and adjusting