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!
One more thought- it may also be that people are afraid/hesitate to share their views or ideas becasue of the extremism in our world today. Maybe worried about defamation, their job, their family, retaliation, etc. Sad times.
I believe the media and bias views lately has played a large role in our society. Sadly I feel the younger generation is learning from those educating their personal views. Sadly too much anger and hatred. In my opinion it is so very important to have leaders in media, education, etc., who get together and discuss values, quality, respect, health, racism, income and listen to each other with respect and not silence them. We should not look at the color of skin. I think it starts with kindness. Kindness has great power I believe and that in itself can make a world of difference.
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.
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!
That is so very true!
One more thought- it may also be that people are afraid/hesitate to share their views or ideas becasue of the extremism in our world today. Maybe worried about defamation, their job, their family, retaliation, etc. Sad times.
I believe the media and bias views lately has played a large role in our society. Sadly I feel the younger generation is learning from those educating their personal views. Sadly too much anger and hatred. In my opinion it is so very important to have leaders in media, education, etc., who get together and discuss values, quality, respect, health, racism, income and listen to each other with respect and not silence them. We should not look at the color of skin. I think it starts with kindness. Kindness has great power I believe and that in itself can make a world of difference.
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.
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!