We can’t expect to grow together if we don’t listen to each other. Based on what I’ve observed from talking to my dad and my friends, there is one similarity between the old and young generations: they both think they know more than the other. It is a sad reality. Instead of trying to understand the reasons for the differences in their perspectives, they would risk offending one another at the expense of being correct. The youth proclaim they do proper research while the elders rely on their own experiences and knowledge that comes with their age. As a youth of this generation, I believe both sides have a reliable source, but imagine how united and powerful our thought process could be if we combine research and expertise.

Often, we forget to acknowledge that we are all entitled to our perspectives. I always catch myself shifting mindsets as I grow older and experience more things in life. From what I’ve learned throughout my recent interactions with people, almost every Filipino who holds a firm stand in politics initially has good intentions for the country. I believe that we all have the same dream, and that is to have a better Philippines. What differs is our ways and beliefs on how we can achieve that. And so, if we neglect the other “ways” and stubbornly stick to only one possible solution, it will be hard to become flexible and adapt to different helpful perspectives. The key to having healthy brainstorms and conversations is to really keep an open mind and intently listen. Many people on social media bicker at each other non-stop and even resort to ad hominem. Perhaps if we talk to understand and learn from the other side, we would carry not just one biased perspective but great wisdom from a diversity of people. We can think of better solutions when we see the equation in different lights, and we can do that by studying the other formulas.

There is never an accurate answer to something as complex as politics. Every day, we are given new revelations and new factors to consider. Ethics, technicality, practicality, and so many more aspects come into play when making sound decisions. But that’s okay because though we can’t be well-informed in all of those, there is always somewhere we can contribute. One can educate others about their values while simultaneously being educated about the current social updates. The moment we disregard what a person has to say is when we close our doors to learning. Hopefully, we’ll get to the point where all opinions are heard and where a person won’t be wholly degraded and deprived of credibility for sharing one particularly unique insight.

Perhaps to change the country for the better, we must acknowledge that the change should start within ourselves. Regardless of age, we must admit our flawed belief system because only when you recognize your mistakes can you fix them.

We are all a work in progress, and for this country’s sake, we have to stop wasting time by pointing fingers and start focusing on the problem that only we can fix, which is ourselves. As Matshohana Dhliwayo once said, “Open ears are better than a closed mind,” may this serve as a reminder for everyone to vote wisely for the upcoming elections.