Dialogue

 If we fail to engage….

Debate, discourse, discussion, conversation, banter, talk, describe the diverse ways civil society communicates. In spite of the proliferation of digital communication, we seem to be losing the ability to communicate on a personal level. With information, entertainment and communication at our fingertips, our ability to reach out and connect with each other should improve. Unfortunately, texting, Twitter, Snapchatting, and the like has caused our dialogue to devolve into short snipes that often are inappropriate and vulgar. We use social media to debase people we don’t even know. Not having to face one another, enables one to say things that would never be said in person.

It has become so easy to simply fire off invectives at those in which you disagree when one can simply communicate through the ethernet. Why take the time to actually converse with someone when you can simply send a text message. Sit down and properly discuss issues and understand opposing viewpoints, not so much? Case in point; Seems that some of my Op-eds have generated considerable consternation from those who disagree. Anonymous voice mails describing me as a “f-bombing” hypocrite, derogatory comments in letters to the Editor and op-eds disparaging me as a partisan hack. Name calling is the last refuge of those who cannot logically disprove an opposing point of view. This type of discourse is exactly why our society has been so wracked with hatred toward those that fail to share a common opinion.

In a scene from Cool Hand Luke, starring Paul Newman, the captain of the guard, played by Strother Martin decries, “What we have here is a failure to communicate.” Newman is a convict on a chain gang that continually fails to obey the orders of the prison staff, prompting this response as he receives punishment for his disobedience. Our society has developed an even greater breakdown in our ability to communicate. Back in the day, politicians of both parties could disagree during debate in the halls of government, yet still be friends. That is becoming a thing of the past as one’s political leanings are all important, overtaking the responsibility to properly serve one’s constituency. In other words, fealty to Party before service to the people they represent.

As our public discourse devolves into bytes of criticism and attacks, we run the risk of losing our civil society altogether. We become tribal, believing those in which we disagree are our enemies. A nation that squabbles among themselves opens opportunities for our world competitors and adversaries to take advantage. When we fail to openly debate and respect each other’s opinion, we further devolve into self-centered, everyone for themselves people, and all suffer equally. When we spend so much capital vilifying those with which we disagree, we tear apart the fabric that weaves civil society together. We need to recapture the ability to listen and fight the urge to shut down debate. Institutions of higher education need to return to being the centers of open inquiry and vibrant debate. We need to return to treating others as you would want and expect them to treat you.

Social media and the numerous news media outlets continue to preach division and distrust of your fellow citizens. Hollywood uses their bully pulpit to promote their values and morals that the majority of this nation rejects. A society thrives upon mutual respect, not blind allegiance to any political ideology. A society thrives with a vigorous exchange of ideas and viewpoints. A society thrives when we learn to embrace our faults, our differences and work together to enhance the quality of life for everyone. A society that cannot engage in reasonable dialogue is doomed to failure. We had better learn to live with each other before this nation ceases to exist. If you can’t convince yourself to love your neighbors, at least try to tolerate them. “On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, it will be as if you are placing burning coals upon his head.” Follow this example and it just may be easier to have that cordial conversation with someone from the other side of the aisle.