At Heart Of Good Political Discussion: The Idea
by Carla Seaquist
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1020/p09s01-coop.html
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What aspect of “the French way of conversation” do you find especially appealing? Why do you think that?
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The author recommends that we develop the “habit of self critique” by asking ourselves “why do I think what I do?” and examining the inner logic of our ideas. When have you done this? What was the value of doing so? Do you experience resistance to taking a self-critical look at one or more of your current political views? If so, what is the source of this resistance?
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If you were to subject your views about one current political issue to a French-style self-critique, which one would you pick and why? Have you ever asked someone whose political views make no sense to you why they think that way? If so, what happened? If not, how do you think they might respond?
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Can you think of a situation in which it is likely to be constructive for you to suppress your instinctive response in favor of “That’s interesting. Why do you think that?”
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The author invites us to make a distinction between an idea and the person who has expressed the idea. In what areas of your life do you make this distinction? What makes it hard for you to make this distinction when it comes to politics?
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What stereotypes stand in the way of your presuming the patriotism and intelligence of those who think differently from you about the major policy choices facing this country? What stereotypes may others hold of you that keep them from viewing you as intelligent and patriotic?
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The author mentions three questions she thinks we need to address: what constitutes “strong” leadership? What is the US role in the world? And how can we prevent terrorism? Can you imagine addressing one or more of these questions with at least one person who would answer them very differently from you? What makes you hesitate about participating in such a conversation? What makes you interested in participating? What external barriers would you have to overcome to have such a conversation?
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What questions does this article raise for you? If Carla Seaquist were here, what question would you ask her to deepen your understanding of her views?
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