text | un: Sasaki

[ex_adept136]

[Haise has talked with several teammates about the lack of cohesion, and how difficult it is for all of them to coordinate. It was something he'd meant to discuss, or perhaps encourage others better suited, to bring up when they had some down-time. In the wake of a rather heated debate he chose to sat out on, he thinks maybe conversations about how they unify can't wait]

It seems that some of us may be feeling a little hot under the collar after recent events. Since I am an advocate for mercy, and am only alive because as much was extended to me when others may have argued against it, I don't want to touch on moral disagreements. Our stances will naturally differ, because our organization doesn't give us any unifying principles to abide by.

As a member of the CCG, I had very set guidelines to follow. Those weren't all things I agreed with, or felt right about. But they did maintain order, and did keep people safe. They made us an effective team, and more than once it's come up with colleagues here that we might benefit from that.

This was something I'd hoped might come up on Oska, when people had time to relax, but considering the circumstances...

Would any of you be interested in opening that discussion? That is, talking about our backgrounds, where we're coming from, and what we believe. If we start there, surely we can find a way to work together. If we're constantly at odds with one another, that isn't good for anyone. When I first joined, that division was certainly in place, but those I disagreed with still took the time to speak with me, and we did have common ground. I'd like to suggest that, as a team, we try to find that...for all our sakes.

Edit: Although I spoke of my own background in the example I provided, by no means am I suggesting that everyone do the same. Most importantly, we need to establish where we stand on issues we're often confronted with in our line of work. These things would inevitably show in our actions, so speaking on personal matters is not necessary for discussion.
What each of us believes and what course we're inclined to take is what I mean to inquire about.

[ooc: Naturally, thread-hop/jack as desired]

Comments

[digiorno]

I appreciate the revision. It's difficult, it's a fine balance to strike, but for me personally I feel much more comfortable knowing that there's at least one person who wants to understand all angles, even the ones they don't agree with or don't necessarily know all the information about. It makes me more inclined to share. My hope is that it makes others feel the same, or at least plants the seeds for that honesty someday in the future.

I do think that sort of meeting could be arranged, although it would have to be done with some thought to various complicating factors. Privacy and group size are the most significant issues, to my mind. Eighty people is far too many to engage in a conversation like this. Ten is too many. Ten groups of eight might be doable, although of course some people won't want to participate.

Privacy will depend on how Oska looks once the dust settles, as you say. I'll think more on it; there's only so much one can enforce in a group this size, because people gossip, but there are ways to at least mitigate it if we're cautious. And then the final factor is ensuring that the groups are evenly distributed with respect to outlook. I feel there will be far more people in the idealist camp than any other, for a number of reasons including the aforementioned fact that I believe those with a more pessimistic or even realistic viewpoint are less likely to be willing to subject themselves to condescension and ridicule by the majority. Even so, all that can be done is that we make an effort to adjust for such discrepancies and make things as even-keeled as possible.

Would you be willing to work together with me on this? I realize you said you aren't sure whether you're the right person to lead on this, but your response has been among the least vitriolic and most thoughtful, and frankly there are a lot of people on this team I don't trust to be thoughtful, much less unbiased, on this matter.

[ex_adept136]

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.

SORRY FOR THE DELAY ON THIS, was having trouble articulating this point

[digiorno]

There's nothing wrong with ideals. Goals are even better. They acknowledge that there are steps to be taken to improve things, that there is room for improvement, but that it isn't impossible. Hope is good to hold onto, even with such different viewpoints surrounding us.

For what it's worth, I think that it's experiences like yours--being able to speak your mind for the first time, here in Audentes--that allow even the most injured people to heal. I would like this to be that sort of place for at least one person before I leave. I would like for that good experience to multiply exponentially, if possible. That's my goal, my dream for my time in Audentes, if nothing else. And I do owe you for your willingness to listen, because now I'm one step closer to making my dream a reality.

[ex_adept136]

That's encouraging of you to say.

And I think that's an admirable goal. To make a positive difference like that is no small thing, whether for one person or many. Having the will to do so and a thoughtful mind strike me as invaluable in the service of an objective like that, so I'm sure it's possible. If ever I can do something to assist you, please feel free to call on me.