Fear is not commonly associated with environmental studies, but it is commonly associated with the KKK. But somehow, the two have a very indirect connection, one that is essential to approaching all of our issues.
Daryl Davis had every right to be scared for his life. There were constant threats to his well being and personality. He overcame that underlying fear that lead him to many successes in a hate-fueled community. Inability to understand the other’s position is a big theme in climate debates and discussions. But discussions rarely escalate to violence, whereas it is very easy to move to violence when discussing race and the KKK. Conversations are universal, they can be different topics, but the basis to each discussion is the same. With disagreements, someone is always going to be very stubborn and more argumentative. And that is often discouraging when you’re trying to make a point. But, it is important to continue the conversations because, as Daryl Davis has shown, progress is important and can be extremely beneficial for entire communities. Progress is best when two differing opinions come together to form a solution.
You would think that it takes a certain kind of person to rise above conflict and make a change, but it really doesn’t. Listening can pave the way to important change, it is an important factor, if not the most important. When you argue something, it’s usually because you’re very passionate about it and/or already frustrated with the current state of the topic. It is then disheartening to speak with someone who is not on board with you and ready to take action. Take the environment, there will be major backlash if we don’t take action soon. So it’s hard when people are not “believers” in climate change and aren’t willing to help. But having a respectful mindset can take you a long way. One thing that really stood out to me in our class discussion with Daryl was when he said “ you have the right to hate, not to hurt.” And that’s true with every discussion had. Bashing someone’s beliefs will just make them upset and make them reluctant to engage in a mature conversation. It is crucial as we move forward to listen and to respect.
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