Say it Loud, Say it Clear
Not too long ago, some of my colleagues and friends began an editorial conversation in the Gettysburg Times debating the best song of all time! What an incredibly creative way to engage the community in a debate in which all who choose can participate! The ‘greatest song of all time’ is certainly a theme that can encourage conflict or perhaps an appreciation for another’s perspective.
I was reminded of this debate when I was riding in my car last week and the song Living Years by Mike & the Mechanics came on the radio. While this may not be a song I would nominate as the ‘best of all time’, it is one that resonated with me as I prepared for this column. The chorus goes something like this:
Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye
The song was released in 1988. Over 30 years ago, pop culture was showing us that it was no longer taboo to engage in conflict or to listen to others’ perspectives, representing a change in societal norms that had been evolving for some time. This verse encouraged its audience to be avid listeners and to use their voices loudly and clearly and perhaps most importantly, to do it while you can – don’t wait until it’s too late.
As easy as the song makes it sound, real life teaches us that it is not always that easy to engage in powerful dialogue or to navigate through conflict. Interestingly, these conversations are no longer only on an individual level, but communities are having this type of dialogue as well, ranging in themes from ‘best song of all time’ to some more serious and impactful subjects like politics, race and gender equity, among many others.
Organizations like Mediation Services of Adams County have emerged to provide services that teach and help us navigate these difficult conversations. The organization has grown it skills and resources to assist with larger community conversation as well. It has updated and expanded the website and is much more present on social media reflecting its continual evolution as time changes. I encourage you to take time to see what our organization is doing and the resources that are available to you. Over the next several months, MSAC will be unveiling new services and training that will help to support change, growth, and constructive dialogue within our community.
In closing, I share a huge shout-out to those of you who say it loud and clear, who listen as well as you hear, who realize that it’s too late when we die to admit we don’t see eye to eye! Keep the conversations alive!
Maggie Baldwin is a trained mediator who serves on the board of Mediation Services of Adams County and owns the Land of Little Horses Performing Animal Theme Park.