#SocialDiscourse

[starseedrebel16]

Sparking Conversations: Breaking Free from Superficial Discussions

Recently, I had a conversation with my folks that left me reflecting on our societal landscape. We discussed the rising tide of hate speech and divisive rhetoric, but the conversation took an interesting turn. My mom mentioned a coworker, "A", who was down after the election, implying her Democratic views. Then, she made derogatory comments about Kamala Harris, focusing on her appearance. I decided to speak up.

"It's not about the leadership; it's about validated rhetoric. People who are Othered feel singled out. A vote for Trump was a vote for the mindset of those who express hatred for Others."

My mom murmured, "I get it…" but I knew we hadn't truly connected.

Sociological Reflections

This conversation highlighted:

Intergenerational Transmission of Values: How our upbringing shapes perspectives.

Cultural Context: Influences worldview.

Conflict Theory: Power dynamics in societal discourse.

Moving Forward

To break the cycle of superficial discussions:

Empathy: Understand differing views.

Critical Thinking: Analyze information, not emotions.

Active Listening: Engage fully.

The election's aftermath saw reports of suicide attempts and successes, particularly among marginalized groups. Some individuals celebrated the election outcome acknowledging the harm caused, and still chose to laugh about people unaliving themselves. Kamala Harris warned of the dangers of another Trump presidency, citing his unstable nature, obsession with revenge, and desire for unchecked power.

Closing Statement

As I reflected on the election, I realized that I couldn't bring myself to vote for either candidate. Instead, I chose to protest vote by writing in my own name. While some might argue that this action inadvertently supported Trump's campaign, I believe that a Harris presidency would have yielded similar results. To me, they represent two wings of the same bird, perpetuating a system that fails to address the root issues. By writing in my own name, I took a stand against a binary choice that didn't align with my values.

[mikesmithrhythmandrhyme]

Saturday, 18th April, 2020

A bit of an 'experiment'. The Thursday NHS/Key Workers clapping at our front doors reminded me of the Northumberland pit village where my grandad lived. Many miners would watch the world go by from the front door-step - smoking a pipe that 'never smoked'...

~

The middle three verses represent any one of those miners ...

~

The front-door-step! Let's bring it back!

Our mission for today

Define its social function

In the old familiar way

~

That well-scrubbed stone front door-step

An open invitation

To tell the world you're happy

For a bit of conversation

~

" If people do not want to chat

That's fine, canny lad, by me

I'll smoke my unlit pipe

And take another swig of tea

~

In winter, I'll be well wrapped up ...

In summer, barely dressed ...

Overcoat, with cap and scarf -

Simple shorts and vest.

~

A place to watch the world go by

A place to sit and ponder

A place from which, just now and then

I'll rise and have a wander "

~

We do not need to wear a vest

Nor smoke an empty pipe

And let's be clear - there's nothing wrong

With social chats on Skype!

~

But let's reclaim the front-door step

As natural place to be

Wave and smile - perhaps chat a while -

And take a swig of tea (or whatever ...!)

[pioneergender-blog]

Apples and Bananas

-David Arrieta 

[wezlo]

Third Rail

Third Rail #antifa #socialdiscourse #fascism

There are many “third rails” in what’s left of public discourse nowadays — touching them provokes a display of outrage, venom, and character assassination. Christians have had these for years. Question inerrancy 1, and the outrage comes. If you don’t care if the earth is billions of years old, or point out our Sun is at leasta second generation star, the character assassination begins. If you…