Thread by @purplemamabear

I believe in difficult dialogue. Dialogue where inds who disagree converse wo insults, attacks. Sadly it seems that as a society we are at a place where we feel comfortable attacking those who ideas that are different from ours in attempts to change their perspective or 1/

shut them down. Shaming is a tool used on Twitter a great deal. I am embarrassed to say I have used it at times. Attacking & shaming will only shut down conversations - it won’t change opinions, in fact it may strengthen an inds position. I want dialogue I want 2/

continued conversation as to me that means ability to grow, it means change can happen. Today I followed up w ind who had a different perspective than I re the ‘opioid epidemic’. This persons position impacts my state. At the end of the conversation he expressed 3/

gratitude to me for ‘not attacking’ him. For being willing to listen to his perspective & challenges. I learned. I learned aspects that I was unaware of. I know some will disagree but I believe that only continued dialogue will lead to change. I feel as the door is ‘opened’ 4/

to continued conversations. I want to be clear here, this person DID listen, DID engage & was respectful. I’ve seen others be disrespectful & demeaning to advocates & believe in these scenarios dialogue will not change anything because it’s not ‘true’ dialogue. I still 5/

believe that attacking and threatening will do nothing to further any cause. In fact it often does the exact opposite. Not saying we should place ourselves in situations where we are tokens but there are doors that are opened and I appreciate that. There are a few 6/

pain physicians I absolutely disagree w BUT I appreciate the fact they continue to dialogue and NOT block. Just my perspective. Made me sad today when talking to this person that he thanked me for having basic respect. As a society we can do better #LetsTalk 7/