By Eric D. Lister
The problem of political polarization — of people talking past each other in what passes for civic dialogue — has been well and frequently described. Indeed, this is a crucial issue for our times, and a profound challenge to our democracy. There are many grassroots efforts designed to address these issues — Seeds of Peace (with its camp in Maine), the Better Angels Foundation, Bridge Alliance. All are well conceived and well executed. But as yet they are insufficient.
I would like to propose a Maine-specific idea, based upon the observation that even “patriotism” — a word that should be awash with positive connotations for all — has been co-opted in the culture wars.
What if…
- A local bipartisan coalition were to sponsor an essay contest for high schools across the state, challenging our young adults to answer the question of “What does it mean to be a patriot in these troubled times?”
- My first choice for the sponsoring coalition: Maine’s four national legislators, working together.
- Other options: Maine Press Association, The Mitchell Foundation, The Camden Coalition.
- How it might work: The sponsors appoint a bipartisan panel of scholars and educators to draft a) the particulars of the contest, b) the requirements of participating schools (such as equal opportunities for participation across ability tracks, assemblies for sharing/discussing top-tier essays) c) support to be offered to participating schools (teacher training, reading lists, on line lectures / seminars), d) description of prizes (family trips to visit our congressional delegation in Washington?, etc.), and e) opportunities for essay winners to publish or otherwise showcase their creations.
My hope would be that our future voters could be guided toward a creative process that is integrative of diverse viewpoints and offers lessons to us all. Statewide visibility for the project might engage the neighbors, parents, grandparents, younger siblings of contestants, catalyzing a far-reaching and truly constructive civic conversation.
As our state motto would have it: Dirigo. It is time for us to lead the way.
Eric Lister is a retired physician and semi-retired organizational consultant working with large health care systems across the country. He now lives in Prospect Harbor with his wife Marcie.
"discourse" - Google News
December 04, 2020 at 10:46PM
https://ift.tt/3mJz4DI
Tacking back toward civil discourse an opportunity - The Ellsworth American
"discourse" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2KZL2bm
https://ift.tt/2z7DUH4
No comments:
Post a Comment