To vaccinate or not vaccinate? That’s the debate that is flying around almost all the blogs, Facebook posts, the news, etc. Truly, I am one that is very interested in having this discussion, but NOT in the way it is happening.
You see over the past month or more, I’ve seen friends and family members throw daggers at each other. Quips at the “you know who” who doesn’t see things exactly their way or outright blatant attacks. People who before would watch kids in the event of an emergency without batting an eyelash, but now, are closing off communication with those who choose a different way. Friendships and family ties are being dismantled and it is sad….let’s focus more on what we have in common like the day before the measles decided to visit Disneyland. Yes, there is a lot at stake and one of the biggest things at stake is our children mirroring our bad behavior! So, instead of throwing down the gauntlet, let’s pick up the peace pipe and remember we really aren’t that different:
#1 – We all LOVE our children.
#2 – We all want our children to be healthy & whole.
#3 – We make the best decisions with the information we have on hand at the time.
#4 – We are both passionate about this topic.
#5 – We care about society as a whole, even if we don’t agree on this particular issue.
#6 – We are both smart, educated people.
#7 – There is a lot of misinformation on both sides.
#8 – The media is not helping this situation.
#9 – Freedom to choose is what America is all about, so let’s choose to work together and have an open, honest debate without name calling.
#10 – We all face living in a world that has major issues and can be completely overwhelming on a daily basis. Let’s not allow one more thing to segregate us and cause more interpersonal wars.
Next time we completely disagree with someone on this issue, or truly any other, politely ask them why and what led them to that decision, then listen without forming a rebuttal. We might well learn something that we hadn’t thought of before. Then, we can research it for ourselves instead of just taking someone else’s word for it. Does this discussion need to happen? YES, but it definitely needs to happen in an open, honest and respectful way, where both parties can be heard instead of yelled at and demonized.
What have you found is the best way to dissolve the venomous tones going both ways?
What is your best way to handle these difficult and often heated conversations?
