Conflict and Writing




Dear Real Academics,

I've been thinking a lot about conflict lately. I've been thinking about it because I don't like it.  

As much as I prefer harmony and unity, however, I need to be very careful about what this harmony and unity looks like. If what seem like harmony and unity comes at the expense of sacrificing freedom, then it is deceptive.

Let me give you an example. 

In academic discourse, which includes writing and speaking, something always "smells fishy" to me when I can anticipate what someone is about to say so that it aligns with popular lingo and assumed ways of thinking. I call this group think. Furthermore, when those who question or pose a different point of view are silenced or censored and/or held in contempt, then critical thinking is being suppressed in the name of a deceptive idea of unity.

I don't know about you, but when I was learning to write persuasively, the idea was to have a well formed argument supported by carefully researched information. 

But, knowing anything can be argued, it is also important I ask myself questions such as the following:

  • Am I just saying something because everyone else is saying it? Do I believe what I am saying?
  • Is what I am saying sitting well with my conscience? Have I even considered what my conscience is saying about what I am saying?
  • Is what I are saying sounding just like everyone else because it is popular and/or makes me feel good or safe? Or is what I am saying novel and critical because it represents my true convictions?

The second parts of the above statements are the hard ones, and may not always result in initial harmony and unity. The alternative, however, is to live in comfortable deception. Worst, stating things without thorough consideration can lead to my own and other's deception. With that, I encourage you to write/speak your convictions -- wisely, of course, and in the right timing and spaces.

This week, Real Academics, I challenge you to ask yourself: When was the last time I wrote persuasively with conviction? 

I'm asking myself the same thing. 

So, as you write your next publication or term paper or discussion post or personally diary entry (or whatever it is you write), take a moment to ask yourself the above questions and check that what you are communicating is resonating well deep within. You won't regret it if you do. But I can almost guarantee you will regret it if you don't. 

Until next time, keep on writing!

Maggie

www.therealacademics.com

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