Subjectivity

Subjectivity and Objectivity are clearly polar opposites. But my question is, when are they respectfully appropriate and under what conditions? In America, we clearly try ( at least many of us) to remain polite and politically correct. Often, we see people engage in heated and ferverous debate when politics are discussed. One may have a specific stance on an issue such as taxes or health care, whereas another person thinks the complete opposite, it is then we we see blatant subjective views. Can one ever be objective in such a personal issue as politics? Not likely. I find it is very hard to discuss an issue without expressing some sort of personal bias. This leads to my main question/point stemming from Theory Toolbox. How are we supposed to act in the academic world? As professors and students, how far should we express our subjective views? I believe that staying subjective in the classroom is extraordinarily difficult to do, and I rarely see i it happen in many of my discussion courses. But I find that to be a good thing. I want to know what other people's opinions are on different subject matters. It is good to hear when people agree with you, but it's also interesting to see the opposite or counter-argument. When it comes to politics, I have a hard time associating myself with either the GOP or the Democratic party. My beliefs are linked to both parties. Yet, I don't want to be known as an independent. I want to identify with a bigger group. Sure, people's opinions can sometimes enrage people to the point of anger and physical violence. However, I believe that the conversation and debate is stimulating. Nowhere in this world will you find a place where everyone agrees and isn't bored out of their minds. Many things shape our subjective mindsets: our parent and the way they raised us, our economic status, our race(s), our language, and our exposure to different things. I believe one needs a good balance of both objectivity and subjectivity in the classroom. For example, last night I went to Taco Bell with a friend. On our way back we were pulled over by the police because our car fit a description of a car they were looking for. I immediately wanted to yell at the cop because she was giving me the worst attitude and was clearly trying to make up for her insecurity of being a female officer. However, I stayed objective and called her ma'am. Subjectively, I haven't had the best experiences with the Fort Worth police as they seem to think every party deems 5 police cars. Subjectively, I was thinking, Aren't there worse neighborhood around here with drug addicts? I kept my cool and after 20 minutes we were off with cold tacos. My point is, like many things in life, one must find a reasonable balance.