I'll be more mindful next time; I'm glad if the changes are at all encouraging. Ideally, no one should have to fear being candid. Although I acknowledge that's what it is, an ideal, it seems like something to strive for. It would be nice to come to a point where we can comfortably express our thoughts, at least.
Where I come from, my stance was pretty firmly in the minority and I couldn't speak freely. ALASTAIR was the first experience I had with voicing my objections openly, and I was very surprised that my associates at the time were as willing to discuss differing views as they were. My stance was not the prevailing one, and decisions had already been made, but they still invested that time. You could say that experience influenced me.
Balancing out smaller groups like that does sound sensible. It can be very difficult to speak up if one feels alone among people who they expect will judge or disagree strongly. In such cases, a differing view can be (or at least feel) actively discouraged, and there's been more than enough to go around. Given that, I wouldn't blame those who wouldn't be inclined to participate, or are reluctant to do so.
Were we all of one mind in all things, I imagine we'd be weaker for it. It's those differences that give us an informed perspective. For instance, your reply helped me see my words from another angle and clarify them. If I can be of any assistance, I'll do my best to contribute to making it happen, when the time comes.
no subject
Where I come from, my stance was pretty firmly in the minority and I couldn't speak freely. ALASTAIR was the first experience I had with voicing my objections openly, and I was very surprised that my associates at the time were as willing to discuss differing views as they were. My stance was not the prevailing one, and decisions had already been made, but they still invested that time. You could say that experience influenced me.
Balancing out smaller groups like that does sound sensible. It can be very difficult to speak up if one feels alone among people who they expect will judge or disagree strongly. In such cases, a differing view can be (or at least feel) actively discouraged, and there's been more than enough to go around. Given that, I wouldn't blame those who wouldn't be inclined to participate, or are reluctant to do so.
Were we all of one mind in all things, I imagine we'd be weaker for it. It's those differences that give us an informed perspective. For instance, your reply helped me see my words from another angle and clarify them. If I can be of any assistance, I'll do my best to contribute to making it happen, when the time comes.