The unrivalled power of talking it out

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This article was published 01/02/2023 (1066 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

“Let’s talk about it.”

It’s one of the most powerful phrases in the English language. It brings feuding partners back to the table, turns classrooms into safe spaces, and precedes understanding between strangers.

“Let’s talk about it” is the imaginary bridge that brings people on opposite sides of an issue together. Our mouths are powerful, and our ears even more so. And when we sit down in an environment of empathy, respect and will toward understanding, beautiful things happen.

You can see this in action on an academic stage. The Ethics Bowl, hosted in Manitoba by the Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties (MARL), allows students to analyze and discuss ethical dilemmas. They lean on their own understanding and others’, working together and opposite one another to broaden their perspectives on some of the most fundamental beliefs and values held by society.

Students who take part further develop many skills, from critical thinking to respectful disagreement. They learn what it takes to actively listen and open their minds to opposing but rational viewpoints.

This event is an amazing example of what our youth can accomplish under the right circumstances. It takes them out of the ABCs of the classroom into a forum where they can discuss varying values with respect. It also helps them take a deep dive into the type of ethics they’d like to embody in their own lives.

It’s no secret that in the instant-gratification world, less time is spent doing introspection when we have a world of distraction at our fingertips. This introspection is important, and when teamed with the skills cultivated by the Ethics Bowl, can help create a generation that works together, peacefully and ethically in pursuit of a stronger society.

It doesn’t work if one person is trained in ethics and practises good communication skills. The other would not respond with the same predisposition toward understanding. They may only be concerned about getting their point across, and not about whether they’ll learn or take something away from the conversation.

That’s why far-reaching ethics education and events like the Ethics Bowl are so important to engrain into the education system. A student may ace trigonometry but never learn how to talk to their neighbour. And while many of us seem content to never talk to our neighbours of varying cultures and beliefs, others recognize the value of community and how it contributes to a more successful and healthier world.

“Let’s talk about it” is also the beginning of dismantling discriminatory attitudes (which breed hateful acts).

Thus lies the power in that simple little phrase. It’s abundant benefits span from the individual level to the community level and range across personal and professional worlds. Creating spaces and environments where youth can “talk about it” will be fundamental in rebuilding our ailing societies.

For more information on how you can bring ethics education to your school or community group, ask the BBB Education Foundation about their Ethics Certificate Program at foundation@manitoba.bbb.org or visit bbbef.org