Throwing stones at conservatives, won't bring social change: We need to learn to listen! / A.J. Hendry

If we care about seeing justice realized, we need to learn to engage with those we disagree with.

As we head into election year, how we speak with one another becomes increasingly important.

For anyone paying attention, it's clear that the tensions of the last few years have not gone away. The Covid years, and the divisions caused throughout this period, have not truly healed.

And this coming election, and the debates surrounding it, has the potential of having the effect of rubbing proverbial salt upon our collective wounds.

In this political climate the words we use matter. How we speak with one another matters. And the rhetoric we employ, matters.

For those advocating for social change from the Left, the need to engage in political discourse in a manner that brings people to the table, has never been more vital.

The world over we've seen an increasingly global shift to the political right. This coming election, we face a similar shift, with the potential of a strong ACT/National coalition, providing Aotearoa with the strongest Right leaning Government in recent memory.

For those concerned about this potential, the instinct to attack, to double down on one's perspective, and to demean and shame the other, is far too common.

But, this form of political discourse doesn't produce meaningful change, all it does it ramp up tensions and create further division.

If we're serious about seeing change occur, and if we truly desire the realization of a more Just and inclusive world, than we need to be intentional about the way we engage in these conversations.

For example, one of the rhetorical shorthand’s the Left need to let go of is the equation of "conservative" with "hateful".

It is unhelpful, and mostly drives people who may be sympathetic to many of the values and goals of those on the left, from being able to work together and build solidarity.

It is also untrue, being a person with conservative values and politics does not mean that individual hates the poor or other structurally marginalized communities.

When people make these broad statements, they are often looking at the impact of that person's politics and beliefs, rather than listening and understanding the individuals actual understanding of their own belief system.

Not every politically right leaning person, is alt-right. And holding a political perspective that may cause harm, is not the same as being filled with hate and wanting to actually cause harm.

For the person seeking social change, the task is to engage with the other in meaningful dialogue, to listen to those who we disagree with, and to seek to build consensus and understanding.

The reality is, we are all blind to how some aspects of our own belief systems have an impact on others outside our immediate group. It is unhelpful to label people as bigoted and hateful, while refusing to engage them in meaningful conversation.

If we want to move the conversation forward, and build coalitions that can produce change within our society, we need to learn to listen and be willing to engage one another with grace, where they are at, rather than where we perceive them to be.

It is also important we ask ourselves what we're trying to achieve. Is the goal to see Justice realized? To end poverty? To reduce inequality? To build a more beautiful world?

Or are we just trying to one up the other guy?

If the poor are an abstract idea, than winning fights on social media and one-upping conservatives, may be justifiable.

But, if those who are experiencing poverty are your brothers, sisters, your whānau, than the need to find real solutions, to build bridges, to create alliances that can result in real world change, becomes more urgent.

If we're serious about ending poverty, and realizing economic justice within Aotearoa, than we cannot afford to needlessly alienate people.

We need each other.

There is no getting past that.

The social transformation many of us dream of, will come as we cross over the lines, meet people where they are at, and invite them to join us.

To dream with us, of who we can be as a people.

Of what we can achieve with one another.

Violent words lead to violent deeds.

In the end, the only way that has any hope of taking us forward, is Love.

#LoveIsTheWay

A.J. Hendry is a Laidlaw College graduate, and a Youth Development Worker and housing advocate, working in the Youth Housing and Homelessness space. He leads a service supporting rangatahi experiencing homelessness and is also an advocate working collectively to end youth homelessness in Aotearoa. He is also the curator and creator of When Lambs Are Silent. 

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