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Civil Discourse
LCRG on Civil Discourse
Engaging in civil discourse requires a willingness to be open to new perspectives, to assess the quality ofarguments and information and to broaden, and perhapschange, one’s mind.
Based on a review of the relevant literature, Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls identified six key, teachable building blocks of civil discourse.
Emotional Skills
List of 3 items.
Extending Empathy
• Being aware of others’ feelings • Being sensitive to others’ feelings • Vicariously experiencing others’ feelings
Accepting Discomfort
• Being aware of one’s own feelings • Tolerating negative feelings in oneself • Coping effectively with distress
Braving Controversy
• Appreciating that conflict can be healthy • Accepting that hard conversations take time • Tolerating ongoing disagreement
Cognitive Skills
List of 3 items.
Cultivating Curiosity
• Being open to novelty • Wanting to learn another person’s story • Being willing to learn new things about oneself
Taking Perspective
• Recognizing multiple viewpoints • Seeing a situation from another’s point of view • Comprehending unfamiliar thoughts and feelings