It is an unusual idea nowadays, but deemed worth trying in Fayette County. Having a conversation over social and political lines is an admittedly a difficult proposition in the world we live in today.
Fire chiefs get terminated for expressing religious views in books. Noted personalities are asked not to give commencement speeches because their views are not in line with the university faculty. Democrats and Republicans cannot cordially convey their points to one another.
We have reached a point where civil discourse is discouraged, even protested. And you have to ask yourself, “Why?” What in the heck is so frightening about discussing an issue of concern, especially when you can leave the room with the same opinions you brought in the first place.
So many people are tarred with special interest judgments or political biases that they simply cannot enjoy the world around them. They cannot appreciate another point of view.
And please know, I am not saying you have to agree with the other parent from your child’s ball team or school, the co-worker you see every day or the stranger on the street, but could you please hear that person out without cutting them off in mid-sentence or automatically disposing of their thoughts before the words leave their mouths?
I organized a community discussion that I call Civil Conversations Fayette which consists of people coming to together, sharing a catered meal and talking about an issue of concern. We will hopefully stimulate our minds by sharing ideas and opinions while we eat a great meal. I am amazed at how some people have tried to stop this pursuit. They go to pieces at the possibility of hearing an opposing point of view.
The subject of the Jan. 30 (6:30 p.m.) dinner conversation is the Common Core Standards for our children’s education. For those of you who have children in the school system like I do, I thought this would be a meaningful discussion.
Two large polls in 2014 show that 60 percent of those surveyed opposed the new standards. Teachers across the country are rejecting the new standards. Likewise, many parents have not a clue what the standards are all about.
At the dinner conversation, Dr. Duke Pesta, professor of English at the University of Wisconsin, will offer some analysis on why he believes the Common Core Standards are harmful to our students. Concerned parents and teachers can then ask whatever questions they have and we can all enjoy the polite discussion.
I know at least one Fayette County School Board member will be attending and one state senator.
Both parents and teachers are invited to attend, but you have to preregister. The cost for the meal is $22 and Fayette County Board of Education employees will get a $5 rebate.
Just days ago, new State School Superintendent Richard Woods, who opposes Common Core Standards, took steps “toward changing the state’s controversial approach to high school math” (AJC, Jan. 16).
There has never been a better time for parents to get involved in civil conversations about their children’s education and to attempt to understand exactly what is happening. If you have young school-age children, I hope you will attend as this will be their academic future.
Whether you love the new standards or hate them, my desire for the dinner conversation is we create a thoughtful and motivating environment that encourages parents and teachers to further explore the topic on their own.
Bono, the lead singer for U2, asks, “The left mocks the right. The right knows it’s right. Two ugly traits. How far should we go to try to understand each other’s points of view?”
Stephen Covey, author of “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” stressed that we should, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
In an era of severe divisiveness, let’s try to show our children and the world around us that it is still possible to come together and have a civil discussion and, if necessary, agree to disagree.
Go to https://civilconversations.wufoo.com/forms/civil-conversations-fayette-d… to preregister or call 404-798-0587 with questions.
Steve Brown
Fayette County Commission, District 3
Peachtree City, Ga.
