A few weeks back I wrote my first article on the subject of civil discourse. This week I wanted to discuss a way I am working on improving my practice of the subject. One of the political podcasts I listen to asked a question that really resonated with me. They asked who we followed on social media. Did we follow anyone who disagreed with our political opinions or did we stay in a safe zone with friends who agreed with us. I realized that I wasn’t following anyone whose viewpoints were opposite mine, so I started seeking those people out. At first it felt very uncomfortable reading their opinions and posts because many are so hostile towards people who have similar views as I do. One person in particular tends to lump Democrats into a single group of Anti-American homophobes. His posts tend to bring out strong feelings in me because I’m not that way at all. But in thinking about it I started wondering what had happened in his life to make him feel this way. I continue to follow him because I want to learn more about his opinions. At first I didn’t comment on his posts because it felt too risky to draw attention to myself. But I’m getting braver and starting to challenge him on certain things. For example, a week or so ago he mentioned his belief that people who come to this country need to assimilate to “our culture.” So, I asked him what he saw as being “our culture”. I’m still waiting for a response I know I probably won’t get any time soon. But, as I’m figuring out, part of civil discourse is discussion, so I need to engage others in conversation about what their opinions are. That alone pushes me, an introvert, out of my comfort zone which is incredibly difficult. Will people challenge my beliefs and my opinions? I know they will and some might not be as “civil” about it as I will always try to be. But it’s all part of my education in learning about other viewpoints on subjects. And that’s what really matters to me.