Hi everyone!
The weather is getting crisp and the home is staying warm. Grateful for small blessings. This month I have a few surprises.
Podcasts:
I revisited a fantastic dialogue between John McWhorter and Ta-Nehisi Coates. The civil discourse was more important than the content. The conversation is exemplary and reflects a founding tenet of our American values. Regardless of stance, both McWhorter and Coates stayed relevant and referenced materials they were currently reading and works the other had published (ie, they were well-informed and able to argue their positions). They rooted their arguments in history, current events, and research. They listened to one another, addressing the argument not attacking the person.
I was most impressed with Coates, whose position I do not share and whose work I often disagree with, because he admitted that he learned something new when McWhorter mentioned work the Manhattan Institute was doing with ex-convict reentry in Newark, New Jersey. He also apologized for a previous ad-hominem attack and recognized that the age of blogging does not lend itself to thoughtful exchanges, but relies on fast click-bait.
Again, more important than the content was the curious, courteous character of this discussion. I highly encourage everyone to watch Ta-Nehisi Coates and John McWhorter discuss Is rap the music of revolution? Notice how they acknowledge the other side, how they stay focused on the topic, and how they remain civil throughout. As the world burns and people shout down opponents, we need to ground ourselves in the principles of freedom of expression before the art of expression (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) is lost.
Beats
This month, I also returned to the classic track 7 Seconds by Youssou N’Dour and Neneh Cherry. Like the McWhorter – Coates conversation, the lyrics reflect a need to consider a more respectful approach to conflicts and differences.
Barbells
This month I sat on a women’s health panel. I was blessed to discuss the importance of weightlifting in the 55+ population and how resistance training helps to maintain quality of life and cognitive longevity. It was great fun! I also did a little dance in my ballet class (at home).
Peace and love,
Kit
