deep
Blue Crack Addict
In 1993-94 I participated in a discussion group.
20- 35 people would meet in an independent coffeehouse on a Thursday evening. There were a lot of college students, middle aged people, a couple of retirees and even some teens. It was a diverse group.
It was organizes by a man who was a licensed mediator. He would settle disputes sent to arbitration.
Some of the topics discussed were gays in the military, (Clinton was newly elected) drug-war-laws, immigration, capital punishment and many other topics over the 18 months I attended.
Chairs would be gathered in a circle and people would take turns presenting their opinions. The moderator ran the discussion. It got heated sometimes, but never out of control. The moderator kept the discussion from becoming personal, and to be honest people are rarely disrespectful to others, in person.
It was a great learning experience for me to hear people discuss what they believed and why they believed it. It gave me an opportunity to consider things from different perspectives, to consider opinions presented from people with life experiences different than my own.
I have been to debates they are some times interesting to watch. They are abrasive.
I may enjoy a debate now and then but I would not want to participate in a debate once a week as I did in this discussion group.
CAN WE PLEASE NEVER HAVE A DEBATE IN FREE YOUR MIND!
This forum is for Discussions!
Nobody has to win a discussion. A good discussion is one where many opinions are expressed. The more information contributed the better.
In a debate people choose sides and want to prevail. If a valid point is made from the other side the objective is to counter it and be victorious. This only leads to bickering and agitation that is divisive.
Discussion can lead to understanding.
Debate is polarizing.
20- 35 people would meet in an independent coffeehouse on a Thursday evening. There were a lot of college students, middle aged people, a couple of retirees and even some teens. It was a diverse group.
It was organizes by a man who was a licensed mediator. He would settle disputes sent to arbitration.
Some of the topics discussed were gays in the military, (Clinton was newly elected) drug-war-laws, immigration, capital punishment and many other topics over the 18 months I attended.
Chairs would be gathered in a circle and people would take turns presenting their opinions. The moderator ran the discussion. It got heated sometimes, but never out of control. The moderator kept the discussion from becoming personal, and to be honest people are rarely disrespectful to others, in person.
It was a great learning experience for me to hear people discuss what they believed and why they believed it. It gave me an opportunity to consider things from different perspectives, to consider opinions presented from people with life experiences different than my own.
I have been to debates they are some times interesting to watch. They are abrasive.
I may enjoy a debate now and then but I would not want to participate in a debate once a week as I did in this discussion group.
CAN WE PLEASE NEVER HAVE A DEBATE IN FREE YOUR MIND!
Free Your Mind
This is an off-topic forum.
Discuss politics, spirituality, religion, world events.
This forum is for Discussions!
Nobody has to win a discussion. A good discussion is one where many opinions are expressed. The more information contributed the better.
In a debate people choose sides and want to prevail. If a valid point is made from the other side the objective is to counter it and be victorious. This only leads to bickering and agitation that is divisive.
Discussion can lead to understanding.
Debate is polarizing.