How To Break The Argument Habit
By Laura Chasin
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1026/p08s01-coop.html
-
“The odds are that we all have contributed to polarization.” How does this statement apply to you? Can you recall a time when you spawned or were drawn into a polarization in any area of your life? What was the situation? The issue? How did you add fuel to the fire? What were the effects on those involved? Useful, harmless, or harmful?
-
When have you been on the receiving end of polarizing communication practices? What were the situations? How were you treated? How did you respond?
-
The author states that many of us have been using polarizing speech for so long that we are no longer aware of doing it. If you stop to think, can you identify a type of polarizing speech that has become habitual to you? Has anyone ever made you aware of negative unintended consequences of your speaking that way? If so, what was the situation? What was the impact of the feedback on you?
-
How do you respond to the author’s encouragement to have constructive conversations with those who are “ideologically different” from you? If it would feel “unnatural” or “out of the question,” what past experiences or feared results may contribute to your response?
-
The author mentions a number of reasons people were attracted to particpate in Public Conversations Project dialogues. What would your reasons be to participate in a dialogue at this time with someone who is “ideologically different” from you?
-
The author uses the metaphor of “the public square” and suggests that polarizing speech is “polluting” its “atmosphere.” Do you think the atmosphere of the public square is being polluted? If so, by what? What is the impact of breathing this air on you and those you care about? If you are aware of harmful public health effects, can you think of one step you or others might take to help clear the air?
-
“It is possible to disagree without demonizing others…and to continue disagreeing about some issues while working together on others. Most of us recognize this in some areas of our lives.” Is this true for you? In which area(s) of your life? How do you account for your ability to collaborate on some issues while simultaneously disagreeing strongly about others?
-
What surprises you about the dialogue experience of the Boston area prochoice and prolife leaders? What do you make of its “paradoxical effect” on the participants? Have you had a similar experience? If so, what did you learn from it?
-
When have you resisted the temptation to communicate in polarizing ways because another value or purpose was more important to you? What was that value or purpose? What did you do? How did others respond to your behaving this way?
-
“The author urges everyone to “fight for technicolor.” What do you understand her to mean? Has our polarizing political culture drained some color out your views of other people and other people’s view of you? What are specific ways you might “stand up for the multicolored reality of yourself and others”?
-
Hope is a precious commodity.” What are the sources of your hope for the US and the world at this moment in history?
-
What questions does this article raise for you? If Laura Chasin were here, what question would you ask her to deepen your understanding of his views?
|
|
|
Home
Resources
