The current debate in Quebec society is the LGBQTIA2S+ inclusive penis/vagina non-gendered restrooms. On each side, there are two polarized groups where everyone’s a little right, and each is a little wrong. There’s little listening on both sides, and the conversation resembles a dart war.
Polarization takes away listening, curiosity and empathy.
Through our ability to see everything in every detail that interests us, we lose the ability to step back.
Meanwhile, the earth is burning, the atmosphere is heating up, butterflies and bees are disappearing at a furious pace, and people are killing each other from a distance in bloody wars. At the same time, the sun is still shining, consciences are opening up, the world is shrinking, and intelligence (artificial and human) is becoming more accessible. We’re living in a whirlwind of change, both positive and negative. This is a time of opportunity, and our choices will dictate our course.
Let’s take a step back and reassess what’s important to us. When we’re involved in a debate, let’s start by listening and trying to understand the person in front of us.
Thank you.
Martin Pham Dinh 