With my ongoing fixation on this Dialogos initiative, I continue to see stories that underscore our pressing need for more meaningful conversation. An article in the New York Times (paywall) today, by Emma Camp, a senior at University of Virginia, is entitled, “I Came to College Eager to Debate. I Found Self-Censorship Instead.” It feels like an indictment on our times.
In my next article, I want to look at how we got to this place. What are your thoughts as to the causes/reasons/excuses for our inability to pursue more meaningful debate and conversation? I’d love to have any and all your ideas!
Your question reminds me of common public space in San Francisco. Increasingly public spaces exist in the private buildings. E.g an enclosed terrace at Intercontinental hotel, a study area with cafe at Linkedin building, or a lobby area of a commercial building.
It's sad how we now need to look around us when we are speaking with a friend to avoid triggering a bad reaction... taken out of context though it might be.
I heard the same sentiments from my son when he was attending University. He was a double major in philosophy major as well as Spanish and Italian. I asked him one day do you participate as he is well read. He said he would never do that as he would be alienated by the Professor. There is no room for debating. I was shocked. The thing I loved when I was in college were the open debates which taught me so much!
Media has certainly helped shape the narrative. Definitely feel they have played a large role. I wonder to what extent the evolution of the media has been intentional (what intentions?) and how much of it was a reaction to a changing landscape (esp tech and finding a successful business model)? And yes, kindness makes such a difference.
I think of the treacherous situation in the Ukraine and how trigger happy both sides are about laying down blame in the midst of brokering 'truces' for humanitarian purposes. Notwithstanding the outpourings from outside the country, the real situation on the field is going to require a good deal more than kindness...
Your question reminds me of common public space in San Francisco. Increasingly public spaces exist in the private buildings. E.g an enclosed terrace at Intercontinental hotel, a study area with cafe at Linkedin building, or a lobby area of a commercial building.
It's sad how we now need to look around us when we are speaking with a friend to avoid triggering a bad reaction... taken out of context though it might be.
I heard the same sentiments from my son when he was attending University. He was a double major in philosophy major as well as Spanish and Italian. I asked him one day do you participate as he is well read. He said he would never do that as he would be alienated by the Professor. There is no room for debating. I was shocked. The thing I loved when I was in college were the open debates which taught me so much!
Absolutely. Good debate was at the heart of my experience at university. It should be the best training ground.
Indeed. The fear of speaking your mind rubs against the notion of freedom of speech. It depends on who is the gatekeeper.
Media has certainly helped shape the narrative. Definitely feel they have played a large role. I wonder to what extent the evolution of the media has been intentional (what intentions?) and how much of it was a reaction to a changing landscape (esp tech and finding a successful business model)? And yes, kindness makes such a difference.
I think of the treacherous situation in the Ukraine and how trigger happy both sides are about laying down blame in the midst of brokering 'truces' for humanitarian purposes. Notwithstanding the outpourings from outside the country, the real situation on the field is going to require a good deal more than kindness...