I wish I had your optimism and grace. You are a shining light. This brought tears to my eyes. Not sure why. I think it’s b/c I’m desperate for something good to hold onto about our country right now
That was a good thing, gracefully and beautifully done. I'd probably have given the hugs too, despite the divide. I'm not sure I would have done it as well, nor as gracefully, as you, but I might have tried. The effort is what should count, I think. If we all made more of an effort to be kind to the other side, we might not see as much red-hot vitriol. Maybe. Good on you for making that effort.. <3
See what you did there? You confused them with the facts. Unfortunately, their minds are already made up. I fear the passage of time between your discussion and the election will be enough for them to dismiss that little seed of doubt. I would love to be wrong. Good for you for planting it.
You never really know what effect you/your words will have. People appear years later, sometimes, and tell you. Therefore, it is always worth the effort.
There are many things I admire about you, but perhaps what I admire the most is your thoughtfulness—not the kind of thoughtfulness that shows up for breakfast when invited, although under the circumstances, that was the act of a person who thinks of others, but the kind of thoughtfulness that makes you examine human interactions and think about what they mean in the whole scheme of things. I believe that kind of thoughtfulness is what removes bricks from the walls that divide us. Maybe that couple didn't change their vote because of their conversation with you, but my bet is that a human connection was made that will stay with them, that will make that wall a little harder to hide behind. If we all opened ourselves up to those thoughtful moments, it would be a lot harder to keep those walls up.
Charlotte, you are a hero for this kind of thing. I admire your willingness to be open and present and generous. I hope I can be half so willing to act that way.
That connection you made helps to stop people from assuming that what Fox tells them we think, is what we think. Maybe they should ask? Those folks listened, and that's excellent.
I live in a poor rural county, and my neighbors claim that liberals are pedophiles etc and so on, you get the picture. I'm working on engaging them in conversation, and have a couple of strategies, all of them honest about what I think. One is to come back at an angle from what they said. She says, "I believe the coal fired power plant is safe." I say, "Well, when Salt Lake City has bad air, it is caused by emissions from cars, and that is harmful to children. You would not want your kids to do their homework in the garage with the car running." That resulted in a look of surprise, and a conversation.
About Trump, right now, I say, "I am concerned about the economy. Trump wants to cut income taxes for the wealthy and increase tarrifs. Don't you think that will increase inflation?"
You could say that I am trying to trick people into thinking in a different way. I would love to hear more ways to do this. More specifics. I promise I will use them.
I wrote a novel inwhich scientists discover a cure for the dread disease of billionaire-ism, and decide to use it by any means necessary. What could go wrong? If you want to find me, you can find me through that. The Money Cure.
I wish I had your optimism and grace. You are a shining light. This brought tears to my eyes. Not sure why. I think it’s b/c I’m desperate for something good to hold onto about our country right now
Charlotte, you are a good person and a better person than I am. I don't know if I could have done what you did. Brava.
That was a good thing, gracefully and beautifully done. I'd probably have given the hugs too, despite the divide. I'm not sure I would have done it as well, nor as gracefully, as you, but I might have tried. The effort is what should count, I think. If we all made more of an effort to be kind to the other side, we might not see as much red-hot vitriol. Maybe. Good on you for making that effort.. <3
See what you did there? You confused them with the facts. Unfortunately, their minds are already made up. I fear the passage of time between your discussion and the election will be enough for them to dismiss that little seed of doubt. I would love to be wrong. Good for you for planting it.
You never really know what effect you/your words will have. People appear years later, sometimes, and tell you. Therefore, it is always worth the effort.
There are many things I admire about you, but perhaps what I admire the most is your thoughtfulness—not the kind of thoughtfulness that shows up for breakfast when invited, although under the circumstances, that was the act of a person who thinks of others, but the kind of thoughtfulness that makes you examine human interactions and think about what they mean in the whole scheme of things. I believe that kind of thoughtfulness is what removes bricks from the walls that divide us. Maybe that couple didn't change their vote because of their conversation with you, but my bet is that a human connection was made that will stay with them, that will make that wall a little harder to hide behind. If we all opened ourselves up to those thoughtful moments, it would be a lot harder to keep those walls up.
Thank you for sharing this. You might not have changed their minds, but maybe you changed their hearts just a little bit.
You have perfected the art of thoughtful listening and I applaud you. I'm taking notes from a pro.
Charlotte, you are a hero for this kind of thing. I admire your willingness to be open and present and generous. I hope I can be half so willing to act that way.
Charlotte, you are a shining example of taking the high road, and proof that love conquers hate.
That connection you made helps to stop people from assuming that what Fox tells them we think, is what we think. Maybe they should ask? Those folks listened, and that's excellent.
I live in a poor rural county, and my neighbors claim that liberals are pedophiles etc and so on, you get the picture. I'm working on engaging them in conversation, and have a couple of strategies, all of them honest about what I think. One is to come back at an angle from what they said. She says, "I believe the coal fired power plant is safe." I say, "Well, when Salt Lake City has bad air, it is caused by emissions from cars, and that is harmful to children. You would not want your kids to do their homework in the garage with the car running." That resulted in a look of surprise, and a conversation.
About Trump, right now, I say, "I am concerned about the economy. Trump wants to cut income taxes for the wealthy and increase tarrifs. Don't you think that will increase inflation?"
You could say that I am trying to trick people into thinking in a different way. I would love to hear more ways to do this. More specifics. I promise I will use them.
I wrote a novel inwhich scientists discover a cure for the dread disease of billionaire-ism, and decide to use it by any means necessary. What could go wrong? If you want to find me, you can find me through that. The Money Cure.
Such generosity of spirit. My admiration abounds.