The Courage to Speak, the Wisdom to Listen

The preceding article brought many discussion-worthy thoughts to mind, most especially the idea that many people in Springdale hesitate to speak out. I have known this since long before I moved here; it was a common comment to my parents who moved here in the early 90’s. I’ve been told the same thing by many people in the 4 years since we moved here, long before The Springdale Sun made its appearance almost a year ago.

It seemed sad; why not speak up in a small town where the chances of it making a difference are greater?

The answers varied. Some had been spoken to unkindly by other Springdalians who had a different opinion. Some felt attacked by leaders when expressing differing opinions. Some just prefer flying under the radar. Some are just not interested in local politics - they came to retire in peace from “all that jazz” for crying out loud.

The Springdale Sun is committed to improving this self-imposed lack of freedom of speech in our town.

This statement from the preceding article hit me powerfully: “Communities are not damaged because people speak up. Communities are damaged when people become afraid to speak up.” Right now, we are a community where too many people are reluctant to voice their opinions.

People should feel free to express themselves. Those listening should respond with respect, regardless of whether they agree. Period.

TSS consistently asks for differing viewpoints, and that principle seems foundational to any healthy discussion. But quite frankly, it is difficult to see a valid alternative to this: people should feel free to speak up, and others should respond civilly and respectfully, even in disagreement.

When respect is the default response, more opinions will emerge, as will more engagement, more enlightenment, and better conclusions.

To those with a voice: use it — respectfully, honestly, humbly, and without apology. To those who listen, really listen, with the thought of learning something.

To those who disagree: speak up as well — respectfully, honestly, humbly, and without apology. To those who listen to that disagreement, really listen, with the thought of learning something.

We may find that compromise is needed less often than we think. When many ideas are shared openly and considered thoughtfully, something better can emerge: not merely concession, but synergy. Through respectful dialogue, stronger ideas are refined, improved, and ultimately implemented as we learn from and edify one another.