[user104658]

Originally Posted by chuff me dizzy

I would hate to live in a sterile world where everyone was brainwashed into thinking the same, and no one having an opinion

So would I, and so would most people I think, but then isn't it about figuring out how people who do have very different opinions can share and discuss those opinions and reach a compromise or, at least, make sure that those opinions are properly understood so that observers don't come to the wrong conclusion?

Being open minded and taking the time to try to understand a situation is important too, of course; people should try not to be reactionary, and make sure they do fully understand context before assuming intent.