Could it be
possible that we could change the world by listening
to one another again? Simple, honest, human conversation.
Not negotiation, problem solving or debate, but time
for truthful conversation where we have a chance to
speak and feel heard.
In Northern
Ireland we have relied on words to hold the boundaries
between us. Words have devalued, stereotyped, and demonised.
Words have generated loyalties to viewpoints and denounced
opposing perspectives. Words have ruptured communities
and diminished the possibility of positive options for
living and working together. In our worlds of words
I wonder if we have fully understood the power of conversation.
Dialogue, however,
can be a transformative force because it goes directly
to the ground where protracted conflict begins. If we
explore the meanings behind the words, we encourage
people to articulate and understand their own and others'
values, identities, and relationships, creating openings
for civility and respectful coexistence. As a result,
new ground is created, where people can learn to work
respectfully and constructively with differences.
