http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2016/04/09/teens-hold-town-hall-on-cultural-awareness/
Dozens of teens from multiple different Dallas schools recently met at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters to have an open and meaningful discussion regarding huge issues such as racial tensions, sexuality, and police shootings. They gathered with the goal of civily discussing social issues withouty the guise of "political correctness". Everyone was able to speak openly and honestly in order to make change. One girl expressed concern for the rest of teens who do not care enough about change to take steps and start discussing it progressively. Many adults watched from the sidelines and were incredibly impressed with the professional and real conversations and topics these teens dealt with and didn't shy away from. This town hall meeting inspired many of these kids to bring the idea of open forums back to their schools as a method of change.
I think it is fantastic that this multitude of teens from all differnet backgrounds could come together and ignore the usual tension and hesitance that shrouds such sensitive and difficult topics. I hope that this attitude of harmony and understanding continues to ripple and spread throughout this school district and then further. I belive that if everyone faced such issues with open minds and peaceful words, we could make serious and postivfe change that will radically transform our society. Looking back at the history of the Unted States, so many issues became inflamed because there were not (enough) civil discussions. We as a society need to quit choosing anger and violence and hostility as our first reaction and instead use peace and civility and logic before we do anything rash. For example, during The Civil Rights movement beginning in the 1950's, so many decided that instead of any attempt at coming to a peaceful solution, bomnbs and fists and fires were the best option. So much pain and sorror and death could have been prevented if everyone decided that a civil discussion and debate was a better action.
That's great that all these different kids from different backgrounds all could come together and just talk about the social issues of today, it's important to know what's going on.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really awesome and inspiring story. It is really great that these kids are setting an example for mature and civil conversations that need to happen all across this nation. Everyone needs to be completely honest about the problem of police shooting and lasting racism in this country to affect real changed, and I hope that other people participate in similar discussions.
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