How Do We Talk About Issues That Matter?


Conversation about emotional and controversial topics can be difficult for multiple reasons. They have the possibility for people to get offended or hurt and the fear of that alone can prevent the conversations from beginning in the first place. Not all issues that matter are difficult to talk about or hold more emotional weight, but sometimes those that matter the most are those that are the hardest to talk about. Is it because most people feel like they are walking on egg shells and afraid to step on peoples toes? Or is it because people aren't confident in their opinion enough for them to feel like they can back up their ideas if confronted? Or maybe they don't feel like they are "socially allowed" to speak on the subject because they are not on an appropriate side of the issue. Either way, I believe the solution on how to talk about these issues are to just START talking about them in general. Just like anything, things need to be practiced and the more you practice, the more you feel comfortable doing it. Just like working out the hardest part is just getting to the gym and the rest takes care of itself. I think the same goes for difficult conversation. Allowing yourself to vocalize your opinions and turn them into dialog can help you refine them. Thinking about these subjects can help navigate them but speaking about them demands you to assign words to your actual beliefs. Beliefs that can change from listening to others. And that all starts with conversation. Once the conversation actually starts, all that matters then is to respect the other people and allow them to speak on the matter as well. Usually things can settle themselves out after that and you can feel better equipped to attack these issues in the future.

Comments

  1. Crystal CornishFebruary 16, 2022 at 7:41 PM

    - Hello Noah! I agree with you that talking about issues that matter is a difficult subject. I think when people hear this question, they try to think about issues that are happening in our personal life versus the world. I think people have a hard time figuring out which issues takes priority over the other one. I believe having those conversations about specific issues will help make the emotions be heard about those issues. I also agree with you about having a general conversations about issues because it will help spark a light about big issues. Overall, I think we just must dive in headfirst when it comes to talking about issues that matter. I also think we should never look over an issue as if it’s not just as important as the rest of them. I hope to have my students voice their opinions in the classroom, so I know what issues are important to them.

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  2. SavannahFebruary 18, 2022 at 8:36 AM

    Hi Noah! My biggest take away is this: just start having those conversations!! You said it well that the hardest conversations to have are often the ones that are needed the most. If we continue to be silent and never take those steps toward growth then we will never see it. It all starts with one conversation and we become more comfortable. We can see the change in others lives and our own just by taking that first step. As someone who was afraid to have hard conversations, I see know that my first conversation has created a welcoming space for another conversation when needed. We learn the more that we take part in something and I think that applies hear, in our lives, and in our future classrooms. Thanks for you work!!

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