Shutting down a conversation

For our first instalment here at Speakers’ Corner,

I thought it would be fitting to write about the fine art of communication itself.

Now I realize that social media is not the most conducive to serious discussion. (Facebook is at its best as a forum for announcements, not conversation, which I guess is why so much of it ends up being incredibly pedantic.) The problem is when the social media outlook oozes out into everyday life – statements become posts, politicians become trolls and real conversation becomes a distant dream.

It’s not uncommon to hear so-called progressives throwing a wet blanket on the exchange when they hear something they don’t like: You’re insensitive! Offensive! Boorish and ignorant! The self-styled conservatives reply with a shot from their own worn-out artillery: You’re a follower! A sheep! brainwashed by the main stream media!”

Both are ways of hitting the kill switch on a conversation, one side insists that they are the nicer bunch and the other wants to prove their smarts. People are simply looking for constant affirmation, and are finding it harder and harder to allow others to challenge their assertions. Their entire self worth is based on being right.

Anyway, no one has a monopoly on being right. The world is too complicated for that. I hope it’s not too late to revive the fine art of discussion.