Freedom of Expression

These past few days, I have encountered certain "communication" issues which, I personally believe, could have been handled a little better had personalities and attitudes didn't get in the way. But for people who are so used to "speaking their minds" and blurting out whatever they feel or think each time, this is certainly difficult. Thus, trouble usually results especially if someone's fragile ego gets hurt.

Here are some lessons I learned along the way, albeit the "hard" way.

"Listen, not to what is being said, but to what is NOT being said." The manner by which something is being said usually has an underlying reason. In short, someone may just be having bad day. He/she could be feeling sick, is mourning the passing of a loved one, or is simply frazzled about the distribution of relief goods. This is what you do: take a minute and understand the context of the unpleasant retort you just got. Even with your own bruised feelings, you can exhibit the utmost good faith and not think too badly of the person. You may be in a better position to exercise patience and understanding. Even when the person continues to rant, rave and ramble, take the higher moral ground and don't dignify the insults.
By no means should you resort to name-calling, cursing and sarcastic talk-back.

"Stick to the issue, and don't go historical or come up with sweeping conclusions." If it's really necessary to engage in a discussion, try to be objective and logical. High emotion only derails dialogue. As the saying goes, "forgive and forget" but that only works if things have truly been resolved. Hence, it is important not to mix things up; respond point-by-point, but avoid generalizations. I believe that is the only fair and just thing for everyone.

"The truth hurts". Certainly, the truth can really be "ugly" especially if one is faced with it quite bluntly. One has no choice but to grin and bear it. It is also the best policy to accept one's failures and weaknesses graciously, and...apologize if you must. There is no shame, only honor in it.

Yes, we all have the freedom of expression, but with every right comes a great responsibility..and that is to prevent unnecessary grief or damage. We must remember that there is always a way to keep the exchange from getting too "pedestrian" and vulgar for everyone's taste.