I remember a time when the act of conversation itself emanated charm; sharing a late evening coffee at Woolworth’s or spending a lazy Saturday afternoon under the welcoming shade of a tree in Central Park just talking about the week that was and musing about the week to come. But then, I remember a lot of things; when people relied on wristwatches and not shiny handheld oblongs to tell time, when a hard-earned dollar had weight to it and when civility, without question, was the cornerstone of every productive conversation.
Alas, I find that as of late, the art of civil conversation – that dance of ideas, the courteous exchange of thoughts – is falling out of favour, slipping away from the tips of our tongues and it becomes increasingly harder to retrieve the further we advance, at least technologically. But then, what would I know, right? I mean, besides being witness to more than fifty springs unfurl right here in Schenectady, listening to the region’s heartbeat, and being privy to its stories – whispered and shouted alike.
It seems we are amidst a quiet revolution where non-verbal nuances and adequate verbal pauses are being replaced by acronyms, emoticons and ruthless efficiency that leaves little room for the tenderness that a heart-to-heart once required. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the convenience that technology has brought to our lives. But as the proverbial double-edged sword, it has also eroded the charm off interpersonal communication, converting heartfelt debates to terse exchanges of tweets.
Maybe you’re not old enough to remember, or maybe you just never got the chance to experience an actual debate; where it was as much about the tone of voice, the cadence and rhythm of speech, the occasional flash of vulnerability and the willingness to listen, learn and alter one’s perspective. Let me tell you son, it sure was something!
I remember back in the day, early 70s it was, Leo, a friend and a vociferous Nixon supporter, and I rarely saw eye-to-eye on matters political. Countless evenings were spent at our local watering hole, The Flamingo, animatedly dissecting policies over a pint or three. But what stands out about those evenings was not the disagreements, it was the respect we shared. We were willing to listen, coming from a place of mutual understanding – acknowledging the fact that we were two individuals shaped by different experiences, and thus there stands to reason our ideas would differ. There was no name-calling, no spitting venom, just the pure joy of civil conversation.
But today, we seem to have rendered ourselves incapable of conducting such conversations – face-to-face, without the refuge of an indignant block button or the possibility of curating a one-sided narrative with a deadline that barely tolerates the essence of civil conversation. We feel backed into a corner, defending our positions with an unwarranted ferocity, while refusing to loosen the grip we exert on our preconceived beliefs. The realm for civil conversation is instead dominated by a deeply polarized, either you’re with me or against me optic, as though there can be no room for a middle ground, no acceptance for nuance.
A whiskey-fueled chat with my neighbour, Bob, recently had me laying bare my concerns about this issue. Bob, a printer by trade, has seen the traditional process of colour lithography giving way to digital convenience. He reminisced how his craft, much like face-to-face conversations, was considerably more tactile, personal and charmingly unpredictable. I would have loved to carry on that conversation further, but my grandkids were having a hard time grasping this non-virtual grandpa-grandchildren conversation, their smartphones kept beckoning them.
And so here we are – no time, patience or indeed courage to engage in civil conversation. We need to learn again that the act of conversation is not just a transactional exchange of words, but a vat of shared experiences, ideas, dreams, hopes and fears. Firstly, we need to reassure ourselves that it’s okay to be wrong, it’s okay to not know. And more importantly, it’s even better to admit that, to learn something new, to keep that flicker of curiosity alive and to humanise technology-aided conversations.
When you lose the art of civil conversation, what you’re really losing is the diversity of thoughts, dreams, opinions, a slice of society that is different from your own, yet complements and nurtures it. I hope we rediscover the joy of unhurried, civil conversation; there is something about the human voice inflections, the glint in the eye, the shared laughter, the dignified disagreements, which no technology can match. And remember, my friend, it does not require a stage or an audience, merely presence and a willingness to truly listen. So, here’s to reclaiming our conversational spaces. One civil discourse at a time.
Thanks so much for the blog post.Much thanks again. Awesome.
I like the valuable info you provide to your articles. Iwill bookmark your blog and test again right here frequently.I’m relatively certain I’ll be informed lots of new stuff right here!Good luck for the following!
Wonderful post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Thanks!
the best essay writing serviceproblem solution essay topicscustom essays writing
I will immediately grasp your rss feed as I can not find your emailsubsccription hyerlink or newsletter service. Do you have any?Kindly permit me realize in order that I could subscribe.Thanks.
This is one awesome blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
I really liked your blog post.Thanks Again.
Major thankies for the blog. Want more.
Appreciate you sharing, great blog. Fantastic.
A big thank you for your article post.Thanks Again. Great.
Appreciate you sharing, great post.Really thank you!
I really like and appreciate your blog.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
Im grateful for the blog.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
aku dari kota malang siap meluncur ke *MP0W1N77* hari ini
When some one searches for his required thing, so he/she wishes to be available that in detail, so that thing is maintained over here.
Its great as your other content :D, thank you for putting up.My blog post :: Summer Valley CBD Gummies
college essay personal statement bad college application essays psychology essays
A round of applause for your article.Really thank you! Want more.
Thank you for your blog article.Much thanks again. Awesome.
When I initially commented I clicked the „Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
Awesome blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Awesome article.Really thank you! Keep writing.
I really like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and coverage!Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys tomy personal blogroll.
I haven?¦t checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I?¦ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
does hydroxychloroquine work hydroxychloroquine pills
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am having troubles with your RSS. I donít understand why I cannot join it. Is there anybody else having identical RSS problems? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Really informative blog post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
You’re consequently amazing. Oh my Jesus. Our god bless you.
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with mytwitter group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content.Please let me know. Cheers
A big thank you for your blog article.
Major thankies for the blog post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Find the info and remarks here really worthy examine.
I just like the helpful info you supply for your articles.I will bookmark your blog and test once more right herefrequently. I’m rather sure I will learn a lot ofnew stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the next!
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this particular subject, however, you soundlike you know what you’re talking about!Thanks
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m satisfied that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
I like it when people come together and share opinions. Great blog, stick with it!