Politics. The discussion that people can either hate or love to have.  Politics is a very hot topic to discuss especially here in America. This topic is extremely polarized with neither party wanting to compromise or work with the other. This is seen among the people as well. You are either on one side or the other. It makes you wonder how much would change and progress if people held dialogue and conversations with one another. Conversations were we actually listen to the other side even if we disagree with them.

Griffin talks about different studies about dialogue and how we communicate. Some of the points mentioned are important for open dialogue. One of the important topics to having  open dialogue is mindful participants, Griffin states that, “They are participant observers willing to step back and look for places in the conversational flow where they can say or do something that will make the situation better for everyone involved.” (73). Mindfulness is important in order to understand the other side. Another important point is when Griffin mentions that, “For Buber, dialogue “involves remaining in the tension between holding our own perspective while being profoundly open to the other.” (74). This is also important when having discussions where there are opposing view points. A final important point is when, Griffin goes on to mention Buber core belief, “…dialog is a joint achievement that cannot be produced on demand, but occurs among people who seek it and are prepared for it.” (75). ” When having serious and important discussions you must be prepared to speak about it and be ready to have it. Otherwise conversations may not be that great.

All of the points mentioned by Griffin can be applied to conversations about politics in America.  First and foremost we must be very mindful when we talk about it. We need to know when to speak to one another to allow conversation to flow rather than cutting it short when we disagree or disrupting it. Being mindful will actually allow others to communicate freely with one another.  Being mindful during conversations about politics may help with polarization. Furthermore, we can still hold onto our own views we just have to be open to understanding the other side. Just because we disagree with something does not mean that we cannot listen. This would allow people to further understand people with different perspectives. Although with way politics are in America currently, this is difficult to achieve, which brings up the final point. People have to be willing to go and have these conversations. They must  also be prepared to have these discussions. Politics is a tricky conversation to have. Everyone is entitled to their own views, but completely rejecting the other side is what causes polarization. Like in the art there are many on opposite sides of the spectrum that are completely unwilling to even speak to one another. While republican’s and democrat’s will never fully agree with everything being able to listen can lessen the tension and listen to one another. Keeping an open mind, being willing and open to listen and being prepared for conversations about politics could help make the division smaller.