The Lost Art of Discussion
It used to be that the only way to communicate with someone was to talk face to face. And while that is still a great way to communicate, we now also have the ability to reach out and talk to people via email, text messages, phone calls, and other forms of electronic communication. While these forms of communication are often quicker and more convenient, they often lack the depth, understanding, and nuance that comes from actually conversing with someone in person.
As technology has enabled faster and easier ways to communicate with each other, the art of discussing things face to face has dwindled. People are increasingly defaulting to electronic forms of communication, often lacking critically important aspects of discussion such as facial expressions, body language, and tone.
This is especially damaging at a time when conversations about complex and important topics, such as racism, sexism, and other pressing issues, are more important than ever. Without being able to properly discuss issues with each other in person, it is more likely that misunderstandings and disagreements will occur, leading to deeper divisions in society.
A great way to address this issue is to consciously seek out more opportunities to have live discussion and debate about important topics. This can start by simply making time for conversations with family, friends, and even strangers. Whenever possible, chatting in person is preferable because it can allow for a much more meaningful exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Having honest and open discussions also requires creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere. It starts with respecting each other’s opinions, listening empathically, and not trying to one up or belittle anyone. It also means being willing to admit it when we are wrong or don’t know something instead of trying to save face. Without creating a safe space, it is much harder to have a productive conversation that leads to further understanding.
Another important aspect of having productive discussions is being willing to change our perspectives depending on the evidence. We should also be able to admit when someone else has a better point of view or a more logical argument that we hadn’t previously considered.
Finally, it’s important to remember that we don’t have to agree on everything. We can still discuss issues and have respectful disagreements without resorting to attack or insults. This might mean taking a break from the conversation if it gets too heated, or simply acknowledging that the other person has a different perspective and trying to make sure both sides are heard.
The key takeaway is that we need to start talking more in person and sharing our opinions, beliefs, and experiences with each other. Doing so will make us smarter, more accepting of differences, and better able to find common ground. Without these face to face conversations, it becomes much harder to bridge divides and work together to find solutions.
