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Should we talk to our enemies? (ID #003)
Date: 12/13/2008 to 1/2/2009
Duration: 3 weeks
Host: Kern Beare
Topic(s): 3
Overview:
In the recent U.S. presidential election, Barack Obama was criticized by some for saying that he would, without pre-conditions, talk to "our enemies." In this conversation we will talk about the concept of enemy, what makes someone an enemy, and whether or not we think it is important for any nation, group or individual to talk to their enemies.
There is also an action component where we each go out and talk to someone who, if not our enemy, may be someone we disagree with on an issue important to us, or is someone with whom we feel we have something to resolve.
Topic 1: Enemies (week 1)
The first week we'll address some basic questions concerning the concept of an enemy.
- Please introduce yourself to the group
- How would you define an "enemy"?
- What do you think makes someone our enemy?
- Do you think it is important to be willing to talk to one's enemy? Why or why not?
- Often we disagree with people on issues that are important to us. And while we may not consider those people our "enemy," we may avoid the topic when we are around them, or avoid a relationship with them altogether.
Do you think it is important to be willing to talk to and understand people that we disagree with? Why or why not?
- What are your thoughts about the following statement: "If I have an unresolved conflict with someone, I have an enemy."
Topic 2: Action (week 2)
This week we will each commit to take an action (see below) around the issue of "enemy." Next week we will report our experience to the group.
1) Think of a person in your life who meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Someone you might consider to be your enemy, based on the way you define the term.
- Someone with whom you feel you have something to resolve.
- Someone whom you know holds a view counter to your own on an issue you care about.
2) Make a commitment to go talk to that person, this week, not to convince or persuade, but only to understand their perspective.
Topic 3: Assimilation (week 3)
This week we will share and discuss what we learned from our action last week.
To the extent that you are comfortable, describe the situation and why you chose this person to talk to. Then share your experience. How did it go? What did you learn?
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