Babysteps -Part 2

[Bonobo]

This thread is open for anyone to come in and begin a sincere dialog with a member of the other side that they trust.

The only request I have is that people be completely honest and work hard to LISTEN to what the other side is saying before responding.

My suggestion to get the ball rolling is to "work" with someone you know. Maybe someone that you have had an honest interchange with at some point. PMs are a good way to use during the dialog if there is something that you don't want the public to see.

As a starting topic, you might ask the other side what they are most afraid of if the other side wins and then really listen to them without trying to contradict them. That's the key. You cannot deny their initial statement but myst try to validate it in some way.

For example: "What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear President Hillary Clinton?" or "Describe Barack Obama in one word."

If you want to come in and just tell me to "fuck off, you insincere prick." than that is okay too.

[Orsino]

1. I think I see where you're going, but it's gonna be a long ride.

A big part of the problem is the sound bites that rule us. I don't think we should encourage single-word summations.

[Bonobo]

2. Only as a start to the process.

The single word thing is a good way to get at the key issue in their mind. Then by exploring what associations with that word that person is making subconsciously (without thinking), I think we can "tease out" our more unexplored preconceptions.

[Orsino]

3. I gathered that that's your intent.

If anyone has the patience to follow through, s/he might come upon some revelations.

edit: I'd participate myself, but I can't come up with any single-word characterizations. If I've got 'em, perhaps I just can't admit to 'em. I'd like to believe that my political support is more nuanced. B-)

[Bonobo]

4. Would it help if I removed my avatar?

I don't seem to getting any hits from Clinton supporters.

[Orsino]

5. Your post is marred by its exceptionally reasoned approach...

...and its attempt to explore issues without finger-pointing. There are fatal defects in GDPreschool. :7

[emilyg]

6. I'm here.

[Bonobo]

7. I think someone was asking for you last night on my other thread.

Are you a friend of Katzenkavalier?

[emilyg]

8. I hope so. Katz is good people.

[Bonobo]

9. So...

How you feeling about stuff here in GDP these days?
I think I'm ready to get out of the hatred mode myself.

Speaking for myself, I wish I could:

A.) Learn to like Hillary more (it would be a difficult process)
B.) Help others through the difficult process of learning to like Obama better.

You know I realized yesterday that we are willing to do phonebanking to total strangers, but are unable to manage to talk to each other with civility. I just kinda had a "oh wow" moment, I guess.

[emilyg]

10. I'm having a hard time

forgetting all the hate and insults posted on DU.
In my "real" life - my motto is I've been a Democrat all my life and will continue to be a Democrat.