How do we talk about issues that matter? Hannah Arendt once argued, “The exchange of ideas, perspectives, and arguments is essential to democracy and humane societies”. I think statement plays a huge role in life and also within an education setting as well. Throughout school, we learn about touchy topics and huge issues within our society, either from the past or present. I think the best way to allow people to talk about issues that matter, is simply to make them feel heard and important. “If we’re going to ask students to listen and engage civilly, we have to ensure that the classroom is an equitable space.” (Tavares).
Also, I think we as people should learn how to approach issues in a non-triggering and non-offensive way. “The issues that most demand democratic discourse today - can provoke strong emotions, trigger old wounds, and spark controversy.” (Tavares). If we are more aware of our approach, then I think talking about certain issues will become ‘easier’. In Laura Tavares's article “How Do We Talk about Issues that Matter?”, she goes into great detail about how we “civil discourse” as a weapon for deep engagement. Which then allows someone to open their minds and hearts and “extend out understanding in connection with others”. But she also makes clear that it is NOT meant to highly highlight comfort or politeness instead getting to the root of the issues because then nothing will be resolved nor understood.
Work Cited:
https://facingtoday.facinghistory.org/how-do-we-talk-about-issues-that-matter
Hi Madyson! I loved reading you take on how we talk about issues that matter. I think you made a great point when talking about these issues to make others, including our students, feel heard and important. I really liked your quote from Tavares, because students need to have a safe and comfortable space for students to have these conversations over issues that are important around the world today. I agree that it is important to approach these topics in a way that is culturally sensitive. It is important for our students to understand these issues, even when it may be uncomfortable. However, as teachers our job is to present these topics in a way that students will feel comfortable enough to talk about and make these conversations less intimidating. Helping students understanding these issues will help them to feel comfortable talking about them in future situations as they will be important to their future daily lives.
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