Just because you disagree with someone does not make them your enemy.

How many of us can say we know someone who has differing views?

Now, let us take it one step further: how many of us can say we have a relationship with such people? Beyond basic knowledge, how many of us can say we are intimately involved with the human aspect behind such relationships? In the real world, there is a plurality of different beliefs, ideas, backgrounds… you name it! BUT, online, we have been inundated with what an algorithm thinks our community should be… BASED on things we like; but what about things we do not like? What about that which is unknown to us? What about the adventure that this life holds for all of us? What about those who have differing opinions, backgrounds, ideals, and beliefs?

If we get down to the nitty-gritty of things, I suspect that a meaningful engagement with those with whom we disagree with will yield to a greater understanding of what unites us, more than that which divides us. This is not to say one side will concede to the other’s general disposition, but either one of two things may take place: 1) your own convictions will be strengthened, or 2) you may concede some portion of your beliefs to the other after hearing them out.

The point is this:

We have missed how to have meaningful conversations with our…