On the day of the recent Senate runoff elections in Georgia, I tuned into NPR’s Morning Edition, where I heard voters sharing their perspectives. One individual, Karen Smith, expressed her unwavering support for Trump and her disbelief that Biden could win in Georgia. She mentioned that everyone she associates with shares her views, having attended multiple Trump rallies. Another voter, Mike Thompson, echoed her sentiments, stating, “I firmly believe the election was stolen in Georgia. Just look around—there’s no way Biden won here.”
When you exist in an environment where your beliefs go unchallenged, it can be difficult to envision alternative perspectives. This is precisely why it’s crucial for individuals, particularly those from rural or small-town backgrounds, to explore life outside their hometown, even if just for a short while.
A survey from North American Moving Services reveals that 72% of Americans reside in or near their hometowns, with 75% of women more likely to stay put compared to 68% of men. This creates an echo chamber where individuals may feel that everyone shares their opinions, leading them to become isolated from differing viewpoints.
Many people find comfort in the familiar, with 24% of those who remain in their hometown citing this as their reason for staying. While I cannot comment on whether Karen and Mike have ventured beyond their hometown, it’s clear that their environment doesn’t offer much diversity. This is frustrating because those who remain in safe, like-minded bubbles often lack exposure to broader perspectives. They miss out on the opportunity to challenge their own beliefs.
For me, college was the catalyst that propelled me out of my hometown at 18. While my degree is not directly applicable to my current career, the real education came from interacting with diverse individuals. I learned about various cultures, religions, and viewpoints, which ultimately helped me understand that everyone deserves respect and equitable treatment. Although not everyone may have the means to pursue higher education, moving away from your hometown—even temporarily—can be immensely beneficial. Research indicates that travel enhances intelligence and opens up avenues for future success. Our survival instinct has always driven humanity to seek new resources and adapt, and this exploration rewires our brains in ways that stagnation can’t.
Surrounding ourselves with change fosters personal growth. If we don’t critically evaluate our beliefs against alternate perspectives, how can we be certain we’re correct? The small, blue-collar town I left lacked the diversity needed to challenge prevailing prejudices. It didn’t offer enough cultural experiences or differing backgrounds to spark meaningful discussions. While I can’t assess the critical thinking abilities of Karen and Mike, their views suggest a lack of exposure to alternative ideas.
Living in a new environment and engaging with different people expands our horizons. It compels us to adapt and consider new standards. This exposure not only broadens our personal and professional networks, but it also allows us to question our biases. Even if our core beliefs remain unchanged after leaving home, I hope we can cultivate greater acceptance and a nuanced understanding of what truth means.
I strive to surround myself with diverse influences that encourage me to understand complexity while discerning facts. This requires humility and a willingness to admit when I’m wrong. I refuse to remain in the comfort of ignorance, and I encourage others to do the same. If raising awareness about our mental limitations is considered wrong, then I never want to be right.
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