Craft brewing in America is booming, providing consumers a diverse selection from over 4,000 breweries. But some of those breweries have potential to offer the American public something else: A conduit for national (and personal) progress. If 2016 has taught us anything it is that America has communication problems
. From our private lives to political leadership, America is drowning in oceans of cynical opposition and blame; that differences equate to division, and division creates “sides”, and those sides must do battle to produce a “winner”. When we concentrate on debate, we sacrifice truth, accuracy, and finding and creating solutions. Debate often serves as a roadblock. Winning is not solving.America’s Founding Fathers knew that debating each other was perilous. As Benjamin Franklin stated, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” Infighting and banter would have, literally, led to their deaths. Instead, they sat down, face to face, to discuss differences and create new avenues, which led to independence and, later, the Constitution. And they did this without telephones, telegraphs, planes, trains, cars, the Internet and social media.Their conduit was public spaces: Local taverns and inns, many of which were small breweries. While there, they engaged in Dialogue: In-person discussions that were honest, contentious and civil. They didn’t abandon debate, but they didn’t rely on it. They invited critical analysis and kept cynical opposition at bay (for the most part). Their dialogues contained more than critique; they invoked critical thinking, they looked for new insights and various perspectives, and cautioned against hubris to reac historic solutions. America today lacks the overall awareness of dialogue, acknowledgement of its benefits, and the skills to engage it. Thankfully, however, the safe spaces our Founding Fathers used have returned. Enter craft breweries. Many are local businesses. They are popular and public. They attract people from all walks of life. The ethos of a local craft brewery is community, and that of the craft brewing industry is comradery. Community and comradery are ingredients of a great recipe. When mixed with Dialogue they can generate progress, problem solving and unity.Yet, Dialogue is tricky and difficult, and should not be engaged haphazardly or on a whim. Since dialogue often includes contentious issues, emotions can run high and, if not managed properly, can derail the endeavor making matters worse. Dialogue participants must understand that their ideas, emotions, beliefs and interests will be challenged, not for ridicule, but for understanding. They should not see Dialogue as an opportunity to convince others and “win” the argument, but rather to understand perspectives and recognize obstacles. Cynicism may pop up, and it must be properly managed to minimize its impact. Participants must realize that Disagreement is required, but Division is not. They must also be flexible with their positions, consider suggestions, and allow for personal change (albeit not instant). And they must treat others with respect and maintain civility. But first, they need to meet, in-person, and in safe spaces. Using “out-person” conduits, such as social media and the Internet, we further our division by communicating to each other, not with each other. As a result, we focus on that we disagree, and ignore how we do so. In-person Dialogue aims not to eliminate disagreement, but to enhance how we understand, learn from, and overcome our differences so that they won’t divide us. Intense, critical, curious and civil discussions over a pint of craft beer just may save America. If dialogue participants disagree on everything else, at least they can agree on having a locally brewed, delicious beer. From there, once a commonality is recognized, anything can happen. More commonalities emerge and problem solving begins. Once again, America looks to local breweries to begin its (re)unification.To help spark the dialogue movement, we have created the Pub Dialogues in the Denver metro area. This somewhat monthly event has garnered large and small crowds, but after each session participants cheer the event. Many admit that they anticipated shouting matches and didn't know they could actually talk to "opponents". We applaud their openness and flexibility to experiment with face-to-face dialogue. Every "side" is allowed to speak uninterrupted. Participants gain insight to others and better understand various perspectives. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that they experienced civil dialogue; that they can get past disagreement and onto problem solving. And that is the primary goal of the Pub Dialogues; to help people recognize that people can resolve issues among themselves and not rely on social media, presidential debates and cynicism.
Pub Dialogues session 1.4
Congress and You Our 5th session of the Pub Dialogues will be held at Pints Pub and Freehouse July 16th (Monday) from 5:30 - 8pm. We will be upstairs at reserved seating.The topic for this session is Congress; how are they doing? How do you relate to Congress, and vice versa? Is Congress doing enough? Are you doing enough? This is a good opportunity to rethink our connection with our representatives, with each other, and perhaps with ourselves. Let the ideas flow!
Behind the Dialogues: Part 4
The GoalThe Pub Dialogues series is our vehicle to highlight that open, honest and civil conversations are possible during difficult circumstances. We hope people will see how disagreeing with someone does not prohibit discussion, conversation and dialogue. Honest Dialogue is not easy; it takes time, effort and even some pain. However, the benefits are fantastic for those involved and, indirectly, the world at large.The Pub Dialogues aim to:
- (Re-) Introduce interpersonal communication skills
- Help people address contentious topics and understand differing view-points
- Showcase how people with opposing view-points can engage in constructive conversation without reverting to debate and animosity
- Bring awareness to the importance of open discussion and its salience with social, political and cultural issues
- Entice people to have more conversations face-to-face in a civil and open manner (with local pubs and businesses in mind for the setting)
- Offer an opportunity for people to learn from each other
We want to change the world. Delusions of grandeur to be sure. Still, we follow a common platitude, ‘if you want to change the world, start with yourself’. The practitioners at OvalOptions have taken this rather difficult first step. While we are far from perfect, we turned the focus of conflict resolution skills on ourselves first to view firsthand the changes, understanding and personal development they afford. Our dedication to these skills is strong, and our passion to avail them to others is resilient. The Pub Dialogues series is one way we can share our skills with others, for free, and open to all.Part 1Part 2Part 3
Pub Dialogue 1.2 - Green vs. Green
Please join OvalOptions for our 3rd Pub Dialogue on Sunday April 29th from 4 - 7pm at Vine Street Pub & Brewery. This collaboration between OvalOptions and Vine Street Pub & Brewery is intended to bring people out of the online chat rooms and into the Public House to discuss topics of concern. This month's topic is, "Green vs. Green." Join us to share your thoughts and hear other perspectives.Click here for more information.
Behind the Dialogues, Part 3
The PubThroughout the centuries, people have met at the local pub to discuss topics of importance. The founding fathers of the U.S. met in pubs to discuss the fate of the colonies, allegiance with Britain, and the desire for independence. These pubs usually brewed their own beer, as did the founding fathers. During Prohibition, these pubs closed, brewing became a lost art, and the communal conversation forgotten.Thankfully, brewpubs are back. They combine the comfort of the old pubs and the beer styles of a new generation of adventurous brew-masters. Most of these establishments are small businesses, locally owned, and part of the community. They make a profit from their passion, and their passion is to make and serve great beer—the social lubricant of the ages.The pub offers a relaxed atmosphere. Some have leather chairs and fireplaces. Others have outside or rooftop patios. Some offer delicious meals and snacks. Pubs are a night out, a place to meet people, people watch, and to have conversations. As the theme song for the 1980s-90s sitcom, “Cheers”, states:
You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same You wanna be where everybody knows Your name.The pub is a safe space where inhibitions are set loose, at least a bit. And you just might learn something… Part 1Part 2Part 4
Behind the Dialogues...
Part 2: Peace Peace: Two definitions seem worlds apart:
- the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world. (dictionary.com)
- harmony in personal relations (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
Conversation, and the skills it requires, is important to peace. The first definition is incomplete if it does not include the second. Is “non-war” peace? For example, it is difficult to believe Syria and Israel maintain a peaceful condition just because their armies are not warring.Communication between possible belligerent nations is vital before unleashing the destructive apparatuses of war and warfare. The United Nations is a governmental forum where nations can communicate about pressing issues as an effort to eliminate, or at least curtail, war. What about the people?Following the practices of John Paul Lederach and Harold Saunders, we believe that communication is complicated, multi-layered, fragile, and essential for peace, and begins on the personal level. Daily conversations, what we say, how we say it, the words we choose, our tone, to whom we are speaking, and the issues discussed are important in the personal realm as well as the international scene.An antagonistic conversation with someone tends to influence our overall view of that person, and others who share that person’s views. We may conclude that someone who disagrees with us is an idiot or worse. The idiot label taints whatever else that person, and those like them, says and does. It takes effort to have this label removed. Consequently, we shut down, do not listen to what people are saying, or understand their reasons. As such, we close off the real possibility of learning something, not to mention coming across as rude (we won’t make many friends that way), and no one will listen to us. If we ignore learning opportunities, then we fail to communicate, which is the key to overcoming disputes, and thus vital to harmony in personal relations.In today’s world, personal relations extend beyond borders. They are powerful tools for seeing that country as a non-enemy. As like us--human. As such, we listen to them more, try to understand their perspectives, and wish to maintain or strengthen a relationship.Going from individual relational harmony to international peace may seem a stretch, but harming people we know is more difficult than harming those we do not. This starts with communication, and the skills it demands.Read Part 1 here
The Pub Dialogues session 1.2
Our third session of the Pub Dialogues will be held at Vine Street Pub & Brewery on April 29th (Sunday) from 4pm-7pm. Topic to be decided very soon!
Behind the Dialogues...
Part 1: Out of the chat room, into the pub If you have ever witnessed an online conversation that quickly moves off topic and turns into name-calling animosity, then you will understand the primary motive for The Pub Dialogues. This type of online bickering is quite annoying, and when about important topics it gets us nowhere and impedes progress. Chatter is destroying conversation. Face-to-face conversation is vital for learning, dispute resolution, problem solving, and progress.Conversations about important and sensitive topics are not always easy, especially when involving opposing viewpoints. Emotions can run high. People tend to voice their concerns without listening to others, and engage in debate, where winning is the goal. However, conversations are not zero-sum; there is no winner or loser. Just because someone has a different opinion does not mean they (or we) are wrong….or right.During these difficult conversations, it is important to adhere to certain principles or rules. Easier said than done, but skilled facilitators can help. A facilitator is a neutral party who utilizes certain techniques, skills and methods to keep interlocutors on topic, respectful and engaged. It is important that facilitators capture ideas that emerge (sometimes quite quickly), points of commonality, areas of disagreement, and clarify statements/questions that may be confusing.The Internet has no such facilitator. Online communication is raw, instant and commonly unchecked. This style of communication seeps into real-life situations, where offense, confusion and emotions can increase enmity, polarization and stagnation. Online behavior in real-world situations is ugly. It’s time to return to the social scene and talk. Read Part 2 here
Pub Dialogues: Session 1.1
The second session of The Pub Dialogues series was held at Vine Street Pub on March 20th, 2012 (the first day of Spring!), from 6-9pm, in the annex room (Harry's).For this session we selected the topic "The State of Education". On the presidential campaign trail the phrase 'education reform' has been uttered quite a bit. Not much, however, has been discussed to clarify the term, what sort of reform, or even why reform seems necessary. We thought about "education reform" for this session's topic, however we felt that this is too directive--to talk only about reform when, perhaps, some people may not agree with reform and have other thoughts concerning education. To be sure, reform was certainly open to conversation in this session, we just wished not to force it.
We had a great time at Vine Street. People discussed topics within education from testing/exam philosophies and approaches, to school funding, to differences between standardization and standardized . At the end of the formal session attendees were open to mingle and socialize, making new friends and continuing the discussions from the smaller groups.On tap were many delicious beers and Mountain Sun's famous Hop Vivant Imperial IPA made an appearance.