No matter what the issue or crisis, when it is something that may be controversial or one that is emotionally charged, it is best if there can be a calm and rational discussion about it.
We are aware of this at a time in which political discussions may veer off into uncomfortable territory, but it applies to other topics as well.
We can all get along just fine during discussions that aren't controversial, but with any conversation--controversial or not--it is best to approach everything with good cheer.
That's true in almost any social setting and it's true in a column of this nature. But sometimes there are difficult issues that need our attention, and in the process of seeking a solution, conflict arises all around. To see an example of this, just turn on the television news. Any day will do.
Having been in education for 27 years (12 as a teacher and 15 as a school principal) I am often drawn to write about education-related matters.
Sometimes news in education may be negative or may border upon the controversial, but I intentionally speak positively about the efforts of educators in the country because I've been right there with them, and I know their heart.
Many teachers are trying to do new and innovative things in class. Those who are courageous enough to make a departure from the past are most often doing it so that our children can be best prepared for a world that is rapidly changing.
Also, I have noticed that whenever there is any negative news associated with a school that it gets out quickly. And it doesn't even have to be true to gain momentum.
Charles H. Spurgeon, the great British preacher of the 1800s, said, "If you want truth to go round the world you must hire an express train to pull it, but if you want a lie to go round the world, it will fly; it is as light as a feather, and a breath will carry it. It is well said in the old proverb, 'A lie will go round the world while truth is pulling its boots on.'"
Those insights apply to education as well. Quite frankly, schools usually have to make a deliberate effort to get the good news out, and because good news might travel very slowly, I am glad to lend a helping hand.
But whether I write about education or about any other issue, I want to be positive and inspiring as much as possible.
That doesn't mean that I am never passionately critical on an issue; it's just that I usually refrain from the temptation to do so in a column such as this, hoping that a positive approach is just as effective at making a point. I realize, for the most part, that it is best to keep the column between the ditches and provide insights worth further discussion.
When a person tackles the tough stuff, however, even if he means no harm and no offense to anyone, there is always someone, or several someones, who will take great issue with what is said.
That is a shame, really, because if anyone wants to interject clear thinking into the public dialogue, he or she should be able to do so, but far too often one runs the risk of being lambasted by those who disagree.
The marketplace of ideas should be a safe place to have civilized discourse, but today, with so many people being hyper-sensitive and running on emotion, conflicts break out far too often. And that's too bad, because when that happens we all lose the benefit of having productive discussions.
And as a society, we need to be able to verbally compare notes and insights, so that we might solve problems or address issues with our collective wisdom.
There is a proverb in the Bible that says, "...in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Another one says, "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."
In other words, one might benefit from good advice, and in addition, all of society stands to learn and grow when there is respectful dialog and debate.
Now more than ever, we need to regard each person as a fellow pilgrim on life's journey. I'm afraid that today's media and many of our leaders wish for us to be fighting amongst ourselves because it fuels their own agendas.
But we can do much better than that.
We are going to disagree and sometimes it will be a severe disagreement. But the question is, how will we navigate through our differences?
As we enjoy First Amendment freedoms, it is best to do so within the parameters of respect and responsibility.
When I look at the daily news, I don't think that an atmosphere of friendship and understanding is even possible. On the other hand, when I look around at the good people I encounter each day, then I become much more optimistic. Civilized discourse is right there within reach.
-- David Wilson, EdD, of Springdale, is a writer, consultant and presenter, who grew up in Arkansas but worked 27 years in education in Missouri. You may e-mail him at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 10/12/2016