Thank you for these thoughts! Your NRA question reminded me that sometime last year, I engaged with a Facebook friend with whom I disagree on almost everything and was pleasantly surprised to realize that the NRA did not reflect this individual's views about gun rights--she was much more willing than the NRA to agree with me on what I consider common-sense protections related to guns. I'll add that this individual--and almost everyone in my orbit with whom I disagree this strongly on this many topics--are friends from my AmeriCorps year in Appalachian western MD. Given how many politicians were trying to disband this program when I participated in the 1990s, it's kind of astonishing that it still exists; I think expanding (dare I suggest mandating) national service may be one solution toward fostering constructive disagreement.
Wow, that is very cool. I find it inspiring when people (especially young people) intentionally put themselves in an environment they know will be challenging in order for them to learn and grow as humans. I’m sure you could write a lot about what you took from that experience. And it’s heartening that a relationship from long ago is strong enough for arguments like those and maybe it’s because of the relationship that the conversation was even possible. Something to consider…Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for these thoughts! Your NRA question reminded me that sometime last year, I engaged with a Facebook friend with whom I disagree on almost everything and was pleasantly surprised to realize that the NRA did not reflect this individual's views about gun rights--she was much more willing than the NRA to agree with me on what I consider common-sense protections related to guns. I'll add that this individual--and almost everyone in my orbit with whom I disagree this strongly on this many topics--are friends from my AmeriCorps year in Appalachian western MD. Given how many politicians were trying to disband this program when I participated in the 1990s, it's kind of astonishing that it still exists; I think expanding (dare I suggest mandating) national service may be one solution toward fostering constructive disagreement.
Wow, that is very cool. I find it inspiring when people (especially young people) intentionally put themselves in an environment they know will be challenging in order for them to learn and grow as humans. I’m sure you could write a lot about what you took from that experience. And it’s heartening that a relationship from long ago is strong enough for arguments like those and maybe it’s because of the relationship that the conversation was even possible. Something to consider…Thank you for sharing!