Can't I Just Be Frank?

Dealing with cultural taboos and maintaining sensitivity in certain situations can be super difficult. Most of the time you need to learn boundaries the hard way. I cross the line then I have to learn from it. While I can appreciate why and how people can be offended and be emotionally affected if certain boundaries are crossed, I do think that most of these occasions need to be dealt with with patience on both ends. Furthermore, certain taboo subjects that are otherwise known as controversial, must be dealt with rationally and with an open mind so that emotional responses don't hinder progress. 

It seems like a simple matter of maturity. If I'm totally rude to someone, that person points it out to me, I apologize and try to explain my behavior; is the proper response to continue to be angry or accept my apology and try to carry on? In this situation I am being sincere and I want mutual understanding. To continue to harbor resentment is ridiculous and childish. 

Similarly, if a controversial topic arises and both parties involved have very opposing views, what then should be the appropriate way to carry on? Emotionally supporting your view with yelling, interrupting and aggression? Or with calm and open discussion and an all around respect for mutual understanding? Surely if both parties are truly interested in finding the most rational solution then that person should also be willing to change his/her opinion. If you're not willing to change your mind no matter what new information there might be available, then you're being a part of the problem and not the solution. Because while others of us are trying to progress and improve you're staying behind and holding us back. 

Some examples of what I'm talking about  can include religion, politics, homosexuality, abortion and health. Each of these are complex issues with a lot to consider. There is no easy solution so it's absolutely ridiculous for anyone to assert that their opinion on the matter is the absolute best. We need to be able to talk about these things calmly and rationally. It is imperative to keep an open mind and that we genuinely seek out what is objectively moral. Otherwise the results will continue to be nasty.