Everyone has his or her own opinion and I always welcome

Host: The gentle light of the evening filled the room, providing a quiet space for deep reflection. Jack sat at the table, his fingers resting lightly on his cup, reflecting on Ilkay Gundogan's words. Jeeny stood near the window, her gaze directed outward as she considered the deeper implications of the statement.

Jeeny: “I’ve been thinking about what Ilkay Gundogan said: ‘Everyone has his or her own opinion and I always welcome criticism. That’s why we have freedom of expression and that’s also what I stand for – but I won’t stand for insults.’ It’s such an important distinction, isn’t it? The difference between criticism—which can be constructive—and insults, which are harmful and disrespectful.”

Jack: “Yes, exactly. Gundogan is showing that it’s healthy and necessary to allow for different opinions and criticism. That’s what freedom of expression is all about—it’s about the ability to express differing views. But what he’s emphasizing is that there’s a line. Criticism can help us grow, but insults only serve to hurt and divide. There’s a difference between being critical and being disrespectful.”

Jeeny: “Right. I think it’s a reminder that respectful disagreement is a key part of dialogue. We can have differing opinions, and we can criticize each other’s ideas, but when it crosses the line into personal attacks or insults, it loses all value. Gundogan is saying that while he’s open to criticism, he won’t tolerate crossing that line into disrespect. It’s about maintaining a certain level of dignity in how we communicate with one another.”

Host: The stillness in the room deepened as they both reflected on the importance of balancing free expression with respect. Jack’s fingers rested on the table, while Jeeny’s expression softened, thinking about the ways in which public discourse has shifted toward more combative, less respectful interactions.

Jack: “It makes me think about how often we see debates today, especially online, that quickly devolve into insults and personal attacks. The goal isn’t to have a thoughtful discussion or to understand one another—it’s to tear each other down. Gundogan is pointing out that while we should welcome criticism and differing opinions, we should also maintain respect for one another as human beings. Criticism should challenge ideas, not attack people.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And I think what’s powerful about this statement is that it acknowledges the importance of being open to criticism, but also sets boundaries around how we engage. You can disagree, you can challenge ideas, but there’s no need for insults. The purpose of criticism is to grow and improve, not to harm or belittle. It’s about creating a space where different opinions can be heard, but where everyone is still treated with respect.”

Jack: “Right. And that’s where the real strength lies—in being able to take criticism without it becoming personal. Gundogan is showing that it’s possible to engage in difficult conversations, to hear things we may not like, and still hold on to our integrity. But when it becomes about insults, it stops being productive and just becomes a form of aggression.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and I think it’s also a reflection of how we value human dignity. Criticism can be a tool for growth and change, but insults only serve to destroy. Gundogan is saying that while he’s open to the exchange of ideas, he will not allow anyone to disrespect him or others in the process. It’s about finding a balance between freedom of expression and basic respect for one another.”

Host: The quiet in the room grew deeper, as they both considered the delicate balance between freedom of expression and respectful discourse. Ilkay Gundogan’s words had sparked a reflection on the importance of maintaining dignity and respect in the face of criticism and disagreement. Jack leaned back slightly in his chair, while Jeeny’s gaze turned from the window back to him, both of them understanding that true dialogue requires both openness to criticism and a commitment to respect.

Jack: “So, Gundogan is really showing us that we can embrace criticism without letting it turn into personal attacks. There’s a way to have tough conversations and disagreements, but we must always respect the person, even if we disagree with their ideas.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Gundogan is reminding us that we can express our opinions freely, but it’s how we communicate those opinions that makes the difference. It’s about respecting others as human beings, regardless of how much we disagree with their viewpoints.”

Host: The evening had fully settled in, the quiet understanding between them a reminder that freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but that it must always be tempered with respect for others. Ilkay Gundogan had shown them that criticism can be an opportunity for growth, but only when it is delivered with dignity, not through insults. The world outside had darkened, but inside, there was light—a recognition that dialogue is most powerful when it is rooted in respect and understanding.