Dartblog

I was at a meeting the other day, and the topic of discussion was how to make sure discussion leaders in a given context were sensitive to all participating. That is to say, making sure all viewpoints are welcome, respecting diversity of participants and thought, and all the fantastic stuff of old-style liberalism. I was pleased. That is what discussion and debate are built on and ultimately the foundation of a liberal arts education.

There seemed to be a pretty strong consensus on the matter, when one participant said something to the effect of, as a discussion leader, “It’s fine for people to say whatever they want, but if you are in a position of authority you should tell them when they are wrong. Like no intelligent person believes the world was created a few thousand years ago. The people that do are part of the problem.”

It is easy to spout the language of free expression and diversity in the abstract. But if there is an overabundance of verbiage on the matter, there is most certainly a shortage of practice: respect, tolerance, and, dare I say, learning when you don’t agree.