An article “Some Friends and I started Talking: Conversation and Social Change” by Margaret J. Wheatley explorers possibility of conversation in our life. Wheatley describes many social changes begun with having a conversation; the power of conversation is emphasized in the article. But she also reveals that social change is not going to happen with any kind of conversation; she states, “Change doesn’t happen from a leader announcing the plan. Change begins from deep inside a system, when a few people notice something they will no longer tolerate, or when they respond to someone’s dream of what’s possible” (Wheatley par. 5). The author suggests that the conversation which make the society different is the one attract people’s will. Following two tips change ordinary conversation to powerful conversation. One is welcome others opinion; the author suggest, “What’s important at the start is that everyone’s voice gets heard, that everyone feels invited into the conversation” (18). Another tip is that being open to one’s criticism; Wheatley mentions. “Another surprising but important element of conversation is a willingness to be disturbed, to allow our beliefs and ideas to be challenged by what others think” (20). Conversation becomes deeper and stronger by openness; this nurtures unified and thoughtful ideas which trigger social change.
When I read this article, I reminded the importance of openness in the conversation, because I have learned how important to be open-minded especially when I have crucial conversation with group of people through my personal experience. When I think my opinion is right, I tend to be close-minded; this result in blocking others’ opinion since I feel listening to others is wasting my time; as a result, others feel offended by my blocking attitude, since many of them may feel that I am treating them as inferior through not listening to them. Then, ironic language starts appearing in the conversation; consequence is more likely having a quarrel rather than having a conversation. I have had many experiences like this when I was talking with friends who seemed not wise to me. However, my living experience in the U.S. changed my attitude toward any kind of people in conversation. My first living experience away from my parents in foreign country with foreign country made me feel ignorant due to lack of knowledge in the culture and the language. This feeling help me to listen to others, since I was not sure what is ideal among American People; there was necessity to learn from other’s opinion. Another reason which made me open-minded was noticing diversity in the U.S. I noticed there are so many racial and cultural backgrounds here and everybody thinks differently; I became very interested in listening one’s opinion because diversity of opinion entertained me through hearing something I never imagined. Through the process, I became aware of how important to be open-minded. I realized that people become very friendly when I listen to them; they can feel that I respect them and their opinion through listening their opinion; they become open to my opinion as well since I demonstrate care to them. And I also realized that Iistening to others may bring some point of view, I have never thought about. Since everyone thinks differently, one’s opinion varies as well; this approach from others open my eyes to come up some fresh ideas. I noticed that my action of listening to others serves sort of ice breaker to the people to open their mind, which more likely to result in meaningful honest conversation without ego and pride. People who seemed unwise was actually holds unique idea ; in fact, they were wise, I was the unwise person who was blocking others’ opinion, which missed opportunity to elaborate my idea. Now, I know how important to listen to others in order to make them feel involved which helps my opinion to be elaborated and approved. I strive to be open-minded always, sometimes, it is not easy to accomplish, and however, I believe it comes with practice. I am more open-minded than before, which make my life more interesting and smoothes. I am looking forward to be more productive and unbiased through listening others’ opinion.
Work Cited
Wheatley, Margaret J. “Some Friends and I Started Talking: Conversation and Social Change” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 311-15. Print.
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Through your own individual diversity, you conquered what most Americans have yet to realize they need help with: You learned to listen. You are also correct that people are happier whe they feel that you are listening to what they have to say because it appears as if yolu respect them. Even if you only show proper manners by respecting them for the moment that they are speaking, they still feel that you respect them as a person. Most Americans probably won't admit it, but they desire to feel respected at most costs. Truly you have learned the art of assimilation through listening that I'm sure is not taught through ESL. Good for you and how very conceited of us.
ReplyDeleteListening to others, not only makes you a better person but it definitely helps the other person have confidence to share things with other people. It’s a good feeling finding other people's opinions. It’s funny how you said, "When I think my opinion is right, I tend to be close-minded", that is exactly what happens to me at times, I don't know if it's because I fear that someone might thing my answer is absurd, but I have come to learn that speaking with purpose and confidence can overcome that. Like Wheately said in her essay that everyone's voice should be heard. I think listening leads to a healthy conversation, many people want to make it just about them, and don't give reason to the rest, that want to have a say on something. It's always a good thing to be opened minded when having a conversation, you might just learn something out of it, you never know, and I know I have had experiences where I was the one not listening, and the conversation was awkward, and I didn’t want to be rude and have that person repeat everything he said, that’s why from now on I pay careful attention and actually listen, because it makes the person talking feel good about themselves.
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