It’s wise to slow down, to let things take time, to quiet the stories our minds tell us about another based on the small pieces we see. It’s wise to ask good questions to truly know who they are and what they mean when they say certain things, to extend grace + compassion 4/4
We often raise issues of justice and equity not to advance meaningful social causes but to generate positive attention for ourselves by denigrating others. Sometimes this involves piling on—joining a Greek chorus of reproachful replies without contributing anything new—or exaggerating one’s moral outrage for dramatic value. In doing so, we dilute the impact of critical ethical issues and foreclose the possibility of productive public discourse. The goal is not to understand but to win.
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most