Although the turmoil caused by the Yulin Dog Meat Festival has come to an end for the time being, the antagonism between eating dog meat and loving dogs on the Internet has not yet completely subsided.
To be honest, when I was reading the news a few days ago, I saw fierce conflicts between diners and animal protection activists on the streets, and even close combat situations were staged. At that time, I felt really uncomfortable.
Different people, based on their own perspectives, believe that eating dog meat is a local tradition that has been formed for decades. However, there is nothing wrong with the ideological concept of those who are enthusiastic about protecting dogs and protecting the creatures from harm.
But why did what started out as a mere difference in food culture eventually turn into a conflict of values?
Behind this, it actually reflects a deeper problem. In an increasingly diverse society, how should we face habits and beliefs that are different from ourselves?
There is no right or wrong position, but there are differences in communication methods
In most cases, the intensification of conflicts is not due to the original severity of the matter, but to the fact that both parties have been in opposing positions since the beginning.
In the Yulin Dog Meat Festival incident, many people started labeling each other. Dog lovers were described as "extreme" and "nosy", while those who eat dog meat were scolded as "cruel" and "cold-blooded".
This kind of moral judgment will only make both parties more and more angry.
In fact, if you calm down and think about it, there is rarely absolute right or wrong in cultural conflicts.
What you take for granted may be unacceptable to others, and vice versa.
The crux is whether we are willing to acknowledge the existence of such differences and communicate in a kind manner.
If those who eat dog meat can increase their respect for animals, refrain from cruelty to animals, and refrain from publicly showing bloody scenes; and friends who love dogs can also carry out publicity and persuasion work within the scope permitted by the law, instead of forcibly stopping or committing insults, then many conflicts could have been avoided.
Tolerance is not admitting defeat, but a higher level of wisdom
Many people mistakenly believe that tolerance means weakness and giving up one's position.
In fact, on the contrary, true tolerance is a manifestation of inner strength.
Ancient people once said "harmony without difference", which means that we can maintain our own opinions and retain our own habits, but still live together harmoniously.
Looking back on the past years, during the Tang Dynasty, Li Bai and Du Fu had a romantic and bold style, while the other was melancholy and grounded in reality. However, they were able to understand and appreciate each other; during the Song Dynasty, Wang Anshi and Su Shi had fierce quarrels over political opinions, but in the end, they resolved their past grievances with a smile while singing poems to each other.
These cultural giants have set a good example for us.
If we were to face a controversial situation like the Yulin Dog Meat Festival now, there would be no need to fight for victory or death, and decide whether you win or I lose.
You can consistently uphold the attitude of not eating dog meat, or you can continue to preserve the traditional custom of eating dog meat, but please leave some space for the other person.
A complex collection of people constitutes society. Just saying the four words "seeking common ground while reserving differences" seems simple and easy, but when it is actually practiced, it is the real true practice.
Shift focus from confrontation to solving real problems
Instead of arguing online, it's better to think about how to solve problems that really need urgent attention.
For example, there are many so-called gray areas in the current domestic dog meat industry. The source of a lot of dog meat is not clear. There are no quarantine reference standards, and there is no way to ensure food safety.
This is something that both dog lovers and diners should pay attention to.
In addition, how to prevent stolen pet dogs from entering the market and how to establish a more humane slaughter method are real issues that can be discussed.
If both sides can shift their focus from attacking each other to promoting legislation and improving regulation, the controversy caused by the Yulin Dog Meat Festival may be turned into an opportunity for progress.
The sign of civilization is not that everyone eats the same food, but that we are able to adhere to the bottom line of morality and law while maintaining differences, and are willing to work together to improve the unreasonable status quo.
In the final analysis, tolerance is like sunshine, it can dissolve the ice between people, and it is like a bridge that can lead to each other's hearts.
In this era of diversity, we cannot expect everyone to be the same as us.
Be less aggressive, face cultural conflicts like the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, and be more empathetic, so that the two opposing parties can find a basis for dialogue.
If you encounter something that makes you dissatisfied again in the future, you might as well take a deep breath first, and then ask yourself: Am I planning to solve the problem, or am I just trying to win a scolding battle?
Once you understand this, many conflicts will naturally be resolved.
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