We need to get educated, learn and do better.
In order to do that we need to allow people to acknowledge their mistake and move on from the person they were, giving them the chance to show how/what steps they took to improve/correct their mistakes.
I am an activist in the UK and I have never stopped learning and reviewing my past, my mistakes and did my best to improve, address my wrongdoings and take responsibility for my actions.
We need to spread awareness that it's perfectly normal, and a sign of maturity, to change your mind on a topic once you learn more about it. Do not engage in a conversation where you don't fully know the theme/topic, take time to research it, to understand it. And then once you have an opinion about it, read 5 books/articles stating the opposite opinion. Only then you can say you are informed and ready for a debate.
I hate talking to people that always agree with me, I like to be challenged, I like people to call me out and tell me if my opinion is based on old/disproven facts.
THAT'S THE ONLY WAY I CAN GROW.
