drichard-hcopk

Learn more

Speaking across boundaries: How to have a meaningful conversation with someone whose values you fundamentally reject

HUMAN

It would probably be easy for many Americans with moderately progressive values to tell Walaa, Brahima, and Frezno what is wrong with their outlook on the proper relationship between men and women. What is more challenging, however, is to attempt a respectful conversation with any of them in terms they might at least partially understand.

HUMAN
HUMAN

On your group blog, address a message to your designated individual, attempting to demonstrate your sincere empathy and respect while also trying to help them to see how their views are problematic in terms they might at least partially understand

It may be helpful to use the transcript below in composing your response.

Human Transcript, Vol 1, Pt 2–Gender

Response

  1. Bronwyn Avatar
    Bronwyn

    Dear Frezno,
    In modern society, it is not normal to tell a woman when she “can or can not speak up.” She shouldn’t have to say yes to everything you want her to do just because she’s your girlfriend or wife. She started off by saying no and setting a fair boundary in your relationship on what she was comfortable with and what she was not. Instead of respecting her boundary, you told her that you wouldn’t have a relationship with her unless she mostly said yes, or in other words, obey to your commands. There is no need for her to obey to you because her losing power doesn’t make you any more of a man. Her gaining power wouldn’t make you less of a man. A way you could be a “man,” is taking her out on a date to spend time with her, talk to her, get to know her on a personal level instead of silencing her and telling her how to speak or act. That is what real men do. If you want to provide for her by all means go for it, but that shouldn’t come at the cost of her losing her voice and power. How would you feel if she told you that you had to say yes to everything she says?

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment