The Insulation Epidemic: The Infectious Disease Killing our Nation

The infection of political insulation has reached college students. As twenty-somethings begin to dip their toes in political waters, there seems to be a ploy from the media urging young people to turn away from their political counterparts and only surround themselves with like-minded individuals, achieving pure political insulation. But does this philosophy actually move society forward? Cancel culture and refusing to exercise free thought and dialogue have created a deafening silence sweeping across college campuses.

As someone who typically holds the minority opinion at this school, interacting with differing viewpoints is something I often do, and I can honestly say that being challenged politically has deepened my own understanding of my beliefs and values. I value my friendships with people with whom I disagree, as they have led me to dive deep and question myself in ways I never had before. In doing so, I have exposed myself to the real world and have become immune to this disease of insulation sweeping our generation. Insulating yourself from dissenting opinions is the most harmful thing you can do for your own personal growth and understanding.

Of course, this infection has not spread to everyone on college campuses. I know plenty of people on both sides of the political spectrum who have no issue being friends with those who hold different viewpoints than them. I disagree with some of my best friends on nearly every political issue, but through respect and intentionality we understand that our individual perspectives and experiences shape the way we look at the world. However, a large swathe of college students that float through school without wanting to associate with the other side in order to avoid thinking or questioning any of their preconceived notions – a fabricated illusion completely detached from reality, and a detriment to their own understanding of the real world. Thankfully, I have seen that most UChicago students show a willingness to engage in open discourse, an issue that other top universities are currently struggling with.

The modern media environment seems to perpetuate this notion that if someone disagrees with your opinion, then they aren’t worthy of your respect, friendship, or attention. Division sells. I seek to push back on that idea, and instead say they are even more worthy of such things, because hearing and understanding others makes you a better, more well-rounded person.

For decades, the University of Chicago has prided itself on the rejection of such boundaries and its dedication to the principles of free speech and open discourse. The university’s first president, William Rainey Harper, said, “There is not an institution of learning in the country in which freedom of teaching is more absolutely untrammeled than in the University of Chicago.” As we look towards the future, I would like to think that UChicago will hold strong to these principles and lead the way in the greatly needed advancement of open discourse and debate. Advocating for free speech principles and encouraging respectful discourse are values not reflected in most of our nation’s current leading universities. I truly believe that UChicago has the capacity to lead the way in challenging other institutions to adopt a culture of open discourse and a commitment to respectful debate among their academic and intellectual communities.

Surrounding yourself with people who push you to think deeply about what you believe and why you believe it is the best thing you can do for yourself. It will not always be easy to step out of your comfort zone. Your personal opinions might shift and you might have to answer questions you have never been asked before, but I beg you to do it. For our shared future, do not cut off the other side; invite them in and listen. Both sides can learn immensely from each other and work together to achieve greatness. Political insulation is not the answer. Ask questions of your peers and yourself and listen to what others have to say – that is the cure for the ever-increasing infection of mindlessness into which college students have fallen. Please, for the sake of our nation’s future, get immunized to insulation and make some friends you disagree with.