There’s so much of negative conversation going around. I’m sometimes part of it. It’s difficult not to get mad at misogyny, intolerance, injustice, and blind ignorance. You just have to be active on Twitter to these forces at work. It’s hard not to react. Lately, I’ve been wondering how one can change the conversation, in order to work towards better understanding.
In all the fun that was being made about Donald Trump’s visit to the UK, here’s something that struck me.
Change The Conversation
Trump told ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Wednesday he had been due to meet the Prince of Wales for 15 minutes during his state visit, but the discussion went on for 90 minutes – during which the prince did “most of the talking”.
Trump said: “He is really into climate change and I think that’s great. What he really wants and what he really feels warmly about is the future. He wants to make sure future generations have climate that is good climate, as opposed to a disaster, and I agree.”
But Trump said he pushed back at the suggestion the US should do more.
Trump swerved a question about whether the Prince of Wales had persuaded him to move his stance on the climate crisis. “I’ll tell you what moved me is his passion for future generations,” Trump said.
The Guardian
Prince Charles, it seems, attempted to change Trump’s mindset about climate change. Did he succeed? Doesn’t appear to have? Did he impress Trump? Yes, he did. Donald’s wondering why Prince Charles is so passionate about something that won’t affect him directly. He made Trump think. Perhaps, slowly the conversation will change.
And perhaps that’s what we need to do. Show our passion about things that matter. Encourage discussion. Be ready to listen.
I like how Modern Gypy’s recent post talks about moving into the current of love and yet encourages activism too. The two need not be separate.
When we change the conversation, we change the future.
Juanita Brown
Do you think this is possible? Do share your experiences, if any, of changing the conversation?
I’ve been nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award by the lovely Shubra Rastogi. I’m going to answer her questions here. Any one else wants to take this up?
- Your Zodiac Sign – Leo – I’m August born! I’m sure you’ve heard me roar!
- Define your ideal day – Lounging with a book all day long! Preferably poolside!
- Summer or winter – Summer – all my favourite fruit come out to play!
- What would you do if you had 1 crore rupees with you? – Buy books, look out for people who are needy and find ways to help them with the money!
- Do you re-read books? If yes which book is most read? If no, then which book would you like to re-read? – Yes, yes! Pride and Prejudice. I’d love to re-read To Kill A Mockingbird.
- Your favourite quote: Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished.
Tell about it. ~ Mary Oliver - What would you say to your younger self? Have a lot more fun and speak up for yourself.
- What do you love about books? That they take me to other worlds and other cultures.
- Do you prefer the beach or the mountains. The beach!
- What do you like most about blogging? It helps me harness and grow my creativity.
- Describe yourself in three words. Loving, kind, creative!
Would you like to take part in #MondayMusings?
Here’s how it works:
Would you like to take part in - Write a post sharing your thoughts with us – happy, sad, philosophical, ‘silly’ even. Make it as personal as possible.
- Use the hashtag #MondayMusings.
- Add your link to the linky below
- Use our #MondayMusings badge to encourage other bloggers join in too.
- Visit and comment on the posts of other bloggers linked here.
- Share the love.
So on point, Corinne, that is what I believe in too–changing the conversation–sharing our passions. This is why why I do the We are the world Blogfest, to be part of a positive conversation on the internet, and to seed positivity, wherever possible.
I also saw the way people in the UK reacted to Trump’s visit – with a huge Trump balloon (that basically poked fun at all the hot air he blows off on Twitter); people actively dissenting against him. And to do it without spouting venom and resorting to name calling. Thank you for linking to my post; activism in such times is difficult, and finding ways to engage in a way that is loving towards others and yourself is also important.
I agree and wholeheartedly at that. I also see that reinforcing such things helps. Positivism, talking about it and out loud makes all the difference.
I also enjoyed those answers you gave. 🙂 I also loved Harper lee’s storytelling in that book.