Let’s Talk About It: Crimson Op-Ed
The Harvard Crimson | Alvira Tyagi ‘25
In this welcome op-ed, Alvira Tyagi asks fellow students to engage in hard conversations. “Let’s talk about it. No, not about the weather. I am talking about the topics that make us uncomfortable. The conversations that result in harsh disagreement, draw a rift across generational divides, and culminate in fiery resentment.”
Tyagi laments the state of discourse today, explaining, “We fail in nearly every aspect of how humans are supposed to act toward one another. We are unable to explain our individual perspectives without being interrupted, judged, or stereotyped. We hardly engage in dialogues without preconceptions in mind. We shutter our minds to the mere idea of altering our opinions, even upon accumulating newfound insight.”
What is the solution? Tyagi put responsibility on the students: “Harvard’s institutional principles hinge on the idea of ‘semper veritas’ — always seeking the truth. This motto of consolidating all means of knowledge in discovering life truths is embedded throughout Harvard history. The responsibility to carry out this belief lies on the shoulders of every Harvard student. And it starts by genuinely listening and considering the thoughts of the people around us…America is renowned for the freedom it offers its citizens to wholeheartedly disseminate their beliefs, perspectives, and ideas. Let’s keep this a reality for all the generations who will follow in our footsteps. This mission begins with us at Harvard.”
