LETTERS: It seems social media platforms nowadays are primed for continuous outrage. It is great that we can think for ourselves and have strong opinions about the happenings around us.
Some of these outrages are uncalled for. Perhaps, this happens because we refuse to acknowledge that there can be multiple "truths" to every situation.
The recent outrage on the demise of Queen Elizabeth II, for instance, perfectly encapsulates this situation. Some feel offended to show even a little respect to her.
It's true that her death revives criticism of Britain's legacy of colonialism and oppression worldwide.
But, it is also true that they triggered many struggles for independence and freedom, resulting in the birth of sovereign nations, including Malaysia.
And, it is also true that being respectful toward the deceased is basic manners for human decency.
The same goes for the Covid-19 pandemic that we had successfully endured. It is true that the lockdown was the best measure to ensure our wellbeing and curb the pandemic at its height.
However, it is also true that people must go out to generate the economy and maintain their wellbeing. And, it is true that there are people who thrived mentally and financially just working from home during the lockdown.
These are just some examples of how multiple "truths" can come out of a single situation.
Even when we have a conversation or watch a movie with our friends, we will have different takes about the conversation and the movie, and those takes could all be true.
Not realising that we can have multiple "truths" at a time only leads to intolerance, conflicts and more outrage.
We tend to think our "truth" is the only "truth". We discount and reject other "truths".
Worse, we impose our "truth" on others, which only devalues our "truths".
We do not have to accept all these "truths". People will believe what they want and stand by that. But, we should not simply shut other people's "truths" off, prohibiting them from withholding what they believe in and stopping them from living their "truths".
Perhaps, American film producer Robert Evans summed it up best; "there are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying".
As Malaysians celebrate Independence and Malaysia Day, we must be more tolerant of the various "truths" around us.
As a nation with diverse, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, we all bring many "truths" to the table, and tolerating these "truths" is the way to help our country to advance.
The more "truths" we acknowledge, the better we can act rationally rather than impulsively.
MOHAMAD SYAFIQ YA SHAK
Universiti Teknologi Mara
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times