Gened 0953/0060 - Sec 001
Doing Justice
(Honors)
Spring 2008

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Listening and Speaking Norms

TO: Students in "Doing Justice" (Honors) Spring 2008
FROM: R. B. Taylor
DATE: 1/29/08
RE: Guidelines for civil discourse

In class last Thursday we talked about what we should and should not say to each other, how we should say it, and how we should listen. I have attempted to boil down the different comments coming from the different groups into a few more general guidelines or norms.

At this point I suggest we treat these as draft guidelines for conduct in this class for this semester. That is we try and follow them and if they need modification we revisit this issue.

If there are some points here you disagree with, please, let's talk about it. I would like these guidelines to be something with which we are all comfortable.

SPEAKING
 * Avoid stereotypes: "no derogatory terms or names"; "don't group people together according to their race, religion, ethnicity, gender..."; "steer clear from stereotypes, degrading language"; "don't stereotype or over generalize"

* Avoid talking offensively: "don't be belligerent, intentionally argumentative"; "no [being] loud, no [being] emphatic"; even if there is a disagreement folks should remain "civilized and level headed."

* No swearing: "no cursing" (2 groups)

* Differ in a respectful manner. There are several threads here. One is "don't personally attack." Another is how disagreement is expressed: "no flat out saying people are wrong; instead, "I disagree" when it is a question of fact rather than opinion. If it is a matter of opinion, then recognize that each is entitled to his or hers. We can differ about opinions but "be respectful when you are arguing about opinion." "Don't be rude about other's opinions." A third is respecting differences: "Respect other people's ... backgrounds"; "take into consideration that you don't know the backgrounds of others you may be speaking to." All these threads are important.

* But differ. It is fine to "stand behind your opinions; don't be afraid to disagree." Don't be afraid to say what you mean "even if [you] don't know the PC way to say it."

* "Distinguish between opinion and fact." Great idea

* Contribute thoughtfully: "think about what you say before you say it"; "stay relevant"; "don't cite false statistics or facts if you're not sure."

LISTENING
* Avoid interrupting: "listen to someone speak until they are finished; repeat some of what they said so they know what you heard;" "take turns, be polite."

* Be an open listener. This has a nonverbal component --"try to keep neutral body language" -- and a mind component -- "being open minded."

MISCELLANEOUS
"Stop someone and ask if you don't understand what's being discussed."

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