Finding Value in Important Conversations
Written on the 28th of July, 2020
Photo by Erik Schereder
A conversation is communication between two or more people where thoughts, feelings and ideas are expressed.
Mundane activities have a knack for pushing critical conversations forward, making us think and providing divergent perspectives. It could be a TV series, a tweet or a two-minute video. Conversations can arise from anywhere.
Good conversation is essentially something to crave, Bryce Courtenay describes it best; “Good conversational debate is an end in itself, and talking for the love of conversation is what makes us human.”
LEARNING AND UNLEARNING
Intentional listening is such an easy way to learn and technology combined with creativity has made it much more convenient. The greatness of content can be found when two or more people sit down to dissect a topic, opening it up and considering it’s “many” sides.
It goes beyond the surface level of just a tweet or a two minute video. It’s a good learning tool. It has the ability to introduce new concepts that a curious mind can then personally go on to explore.
Zeno said, “The most necessary part of learning is unlearning our errors.”
Negative ways of thinking have become norms and culture in our lives. And sometimes the best way to unlearn a certain line of thinking is being exposed to a different perspective that’s attached to a person’s story and life.
ACTIVISM AND ADVOCACY
There are two aspects.
People come together to talk about a topic to increase its visibility. It helps others draw into someone’s story and facilitate learning about that cause to improve social change
I learnt everything I know from watching The Grapevine. They show debate and conversation about serious issues presented lightly. It covers the different nuances of how humans relate with each other, the different aspects of hate, and how we can all check our biases. It’s a great way to learn about how different races and groups are treated in our community, how we can change how we relate with them, and what we can do to help.
Conversations lead to people discovering they have common concerns and that they may no longer want to tolerate it. To impede communication is to reduce people to the status of things.” When we don’t talk to one another in a meaningful way. Freire believes, we never act to change things. We become passive and allow others to tell us what to do.
Conversations help people discover shared meaning. One conversation can lead to a movement, an NGO, or even the implementation of a policy. Having a little foresight helps put each conversation into perspective.
All social change begins with a conversation.
THE LESSON OF EMPATHY
Words evoke the art of storytelling. Stories bring a conversation to life and add a facet of personalization and empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another by placing oneself in another’s position.
Seeing a face or hearing a voice makes it easier for one step into their story and visualizing being in the situation. Listening is the first step to empathy. It creates a domino effect. It enhances our people skills and fosters the development of fulfilling relationships.
CONFUSION AND CONVERSATION
There isn’t a linear relationship between these two. This connection came to me when I was watching Grownish.
Luca said, “confusion pushes the conversation forward and makes us think.” Confusion makes one inquisitive and curious. Talking through something brings clarity.
My favorite thing about the internet is that you can listen to two intellectually mature people start a conversation and approach it from several angles. All these are crucial on your path to becoming a clear thinker. Conversations help you work through the confusion.