It's Called Discussion

As I hope is obvious to readers of this blog I try to throw my data-gathering net as wide as possible to hear what differing views there might be on the same subject. I follow this approach in my private life as well. 

The other night for example I was at a dinner party with an eclectic group representing just about every segment of society from a  Kiwi wearing the actual and figurative accoutrement of an old-school upper class Brit to a conservative German Count to a couple of high profile architects, an interior designer, a relatively left wing academic, a stylist and an Oxford don sitting in a chair for engineering and medicine.

As one could imagine this group had a varied view of the world and no one was shy about voicing their opinion as fact.  With this or other groups with whom I socialize we tend to address political and social questions of the day as opposed to talk about golf and tennis or other forms of dinner party chit chat.

Unsurprisingly, the conversation sometimes got heated, especially as the evening wore on.  And yet it was never personal.   In many instances it was clear that there was no unity of opinion despite some long monologues, dialogues and free-for alls.

This group was somewhat of a microcosm for (European) society and so on occasion some nationalist  prejudices would make their way to the surface- only to be resolutely batted back into the depths.

What was happening was that there was a wide-ranging discussion in which people were required to think as well as speak and perhaps more importantly, listen.

No we did not solve the problems of the world.  But we did challenge one another's preconceived notions as to the interpretation of events.  Everyone was made to defend/attack various positions without cares or concerns of no-go zones or trumped up ideas of political correctness.

I could only hope the same of the august bodies pontificating in the various governmental chambers of our hallowed lawmakers, regardless of their country of origin.