How do we talk about things that matter?
In society "things that matter" are considered controversial, difficult, or even disrespectful in some cases. I believe that the only reason we see these topics as difficult to discuss is because the way we go about talking about them. Everyone has different experiences and therefore have different opinions. Because of this, conflict is inevitable. The way to avoid this is to broaden our horizons. If everyone involved is aware that we are all different then all parties can be civil enough to accept the different opinions.
The question is, how do we do this? Hannah Arendt asks the same questions, "How can we seek out or listen to those who hold different beliefs from our own?" Of course, it's easy to say that we will be open minded but when the time comes will that be our first instinct? No, probably not. Unless, we put this into practice starting at a young age and make it normal. Arendt states that in order to be accepting of the opinions around us we have to "extend your understanding in dialogue with others."
The first step to being aware of other people's backgrounds is understanding. You can be aware that there are other people in the conversation that could have a different opinion from you, but without understanding where their opinion is coming from could lead to judgement and arguments. It also takes a lot of self control and respect to be able to hear the different opinions and simply be okay with them. I'll admit, I'm guilty of this. It's so easy to get heated in conversations that really matter and forget that everyone else feels the same way about their own opinion. It is so important to value and respect different opinions.
Of course, there is no perfect or easy way to go about this but I hope this could be a start. Thanks for reading!
Hey Hannah! I absolutely love your perspective on this discussion and completely agree that there should be a large emphasis placed on being open and understanding in a conversation with someone who may not necessarily share the same experiences as ourselves. I find myself very torn though when I start to think about those that simply do not want to be open. Like you had said, most of us can get very passionate when caught up in a conversation but I feel like a majority of people willing to at least engage in an uncomfortable conversation go into it knowing they should be open minded. I guess I am really struggling with how do we bridge the gap with those who simply do not want to understand? There is so much prejudice that is constantly appearing and from my perspective it's coming from people who do not want to change their minds. How should we go about trying to have a conversation with those that do not want to participate?
ReplyDeleteHey Haley! Thank you so much for your super nice comment it means so much! I completely agree with you as well and that question is definitely the most difficult question about this. I think the best way to go about this is to do your part. We can't control how someone else reacts but as long as we are respectful and open to their opinion. It is very unfortunate that some people are just relentless on their opinion and will not accept other people's opinions but the reality is is that we can't control other people. If they don't want to participate we can be kind and respectful but we really can't make them be a part of it.
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DeleteHi Hannah! I loved what you had to write, you worded everything beautifully. It is so true, everybody comes from different places, and experiences, and has different opinions. Self-control is such a big point, we constantly make assumptions about people based on the things they say or the opinions they state without asking questions or trying to understand why they feel that way. I wonder why we don't always give people the benefit of the doubt and jump to conclusions. I think that it is definitely easier said than done, but I feel like people who go into those hard conversations with questions are already open-minded, how can everyone be more like that? I know personally that I try to go into things with an open mind but it is hard when I'm also someone with my own very strong opinions.
ReplyDeleteHey Abbey! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I completely agree! It is definitely difficult to put your own strong opinions aside and be completely open minded. I know I was try to give people the benefit of the doubt simply because I would want others to do the same for me. It's frustrating that not everyone does the same though and therefor makes it difficult to have these difficult conversations with those people. Self-control is such a huge part of it and I think since we can't control how other people act, the best we can do it just do our part and hope they do the same!
DeleteHi Hannah! I absolutely loved what you had to say. "Talk through it, not around it." Is something that I believe in. I want to understand other people's opinions and where they are coming from. Not everyone thinks this way. Everyone is different. I agree with your statement about conflict being inevitable. How can we create an environment for students to help them understand conflict isn't always a bad thing? How can we control our personal emotions if and when the conversation turns heated? Not everyone is open minded, unfortunately, but how do we try and create that state of mind for everyone? It takes a lot of effort to hear another's side, so much self-control is needed. I am also guilty and believe everyone has at least had one experience where they did not want to hear that other side. Overall, this is a work in progress for society and one day I hope we can get to a point where we don't let our frustrations out in conversations, and we all become open minded when speaking with others. You don't have to agree, but you have to be civil and respectful.
ReplyDeleteHey Brittnee! Thank you so much for your comment! I love the "talk through it, not around it" mindset and I think that is a great starting point of how to go about teaching kids in our classrooms that conflict is okay. This is such a hard subject to portray to kids especially because, as teachers, we have no idea what is going on in their home life. I think the best way to go about this is to show them appropriate and respectful reactions when conflict does occur. Teaching them that conflict isn't always avoidable, but it is savable.
DeleteConflict is okay! It happens! You have such a beautiful mind and I do agree with you. We, as teachers, need to set an example when it does happen. We can teach so much with our body language and responses.
DeleteHello Hannah! I really enjoyed reading your blog! You did a really great job of going into great description. I agree that these conversations are going to be challenging and difficult in the classroom. And for us being teachers, it’s going to be even more challenging having to direct the conversation and make sure that everyone is being heard and no one is being purposefully disrespectful to other peers. I think that you have a really good thought process about teaching things like this. You brought up that we need to be understanding of others’ thoughts and how they view certain topics. How do you as a future teacher plan on making sure everyone is being understanding of one another views and backgrounds and no one is being disrespectful to one another? You did a really great job of writing your blog and making sure that all of your points are stated, great post!
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