When I write, I start like I’m doing now and allow my thoughts to dictate what comes next. While I have a sense of what I want to write about, what follows is what follows. For this paper, I think (now) that it will be about our present times and what little I know about them. Regardless, I know what I feel and think, which is how I express myself. What follows is in no way designed to agree with or please anybody. It’s just me freely winging it.
I feel our society is in trouble. Things have changed, but not for the better. Technology is one major issue, but I do not believe it is entirely at fault, although I see it as a contributing factor. Clearly, the media, television in general, and other “toys” today have contributed to what I feel is a breakdown in society.
We are becoming isolated even as we continue to live together. Even though we see and talk to each other, it’s not enough. As I emphasize in almost every paper I write, talk is not necessarily dialogue because authentic dialogue creates and takes place on a level playing field.
By “a level playing field,” I mean that power must be shared or deliberately set aside for that to occur. We must be equal if we are to have Genuine Dialogue. As a child or subordinate, feeling this equality contributes to our growth and sense of belonging in and to our immediate society, whether family, school, friends, or coworkers.
But true dialogue is rare and may be disappearing. The factors I spoke of are the reason why this is so. When participating in Genuine Dialogue, things and toys must be set aside. We need to be with each other authentically. We need to look at each other and be in the same moment. Only then can we accomplish what I believe I did as a teacher, a leader, and an entrepreneur. Many told me that “I was there for them.” I sincerely hope so.
Sy
