My Approach to Dialogue

From The invitation of intergroup dialogue*

Communication scholars have explored the work of philosopher Martin Buber who proposed the concept of I and thou as extending the invitation to another to be with you in the intimate human interaction of dialogue that transcends the differences (Arnett, 1986). But what does it mean to “be with another” when the other has been historically “othered”? How does one connect with the “other” especially when one who appears so different, shows up in ways that are even “foreign” and have been constructed as dangerous, deviant and even dehumanized?   Connection and better understanding can be supported with dialogue across identity differences—and even more critical identity divisions—when it emphasizes a sharing of lived experiences with listening to understand, not reply or defend. Understanding communication as a process of human interaction can prepare us to participate in, and facilitate, dialogue that leads to understanding; listening that creates connection and connection that creates compassion. Compassion allows one to sit with the discomfort of knowing someone else is in pain—and even though you may be complicit in it, remain with them as they share that reality and then stand with them in solidarity to dismantle that which created it.  

Scott, K.D. 2016  The Invitation of intergroup dialogue, showing up for social justice education, pp. 28-37. In Communicating Prejudice: S. Camara and D. Drummond (Eds.) Nova Science Publishers, Inc. 

Thanks for your interest in my work. I’m still carrying a full University teaching load, so my time for customized engagements is presently limited. That said, I’m going to be teaching as part of a Masterclass series on Connection, Communication, and Wellbeing in 2021 with the Restorative Practices Alliance that you can learn more about here. And I’ll continue to add new public events to this website from time to time. Please also know that I’m working on a document tentatively titled: Building Capacity for Dialog: A Primer for Communicating about and across Racial Divisions and Identity Differences, which is forthcoming. We’ll post more information about that when it becomes available. Thank you sincerely for your interest in my work.

Warmly,

Dr. Karla D. Scott, PhD