The recent visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Columbia University was controversial simply by virtue of having taken place. Many believed Columbia was wrong in extending an invitation to him. Others felt like the “welcome” he received was inappropriately harsh. Still others were frustrated by Ahmadinejad’s refusal to provide direct answers to direct questions. All of this is an excellent example of how extremely difficult true dialogue can be when the differences that separate us are so very deep. It takes extreme care, wisdom, patience, and sensitivity. It should also be recognized that none of this takes place in a vacuum, but rather in historical and cultural contexts that are at once real and personal. However, we should not let the difficulties of the challenge prevent us from undertaking the effort to engage in honest and civil discussion, for it is in that context that truths most readily emerge.
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This entry was posted by Cassandra on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007, at 1:00 am, and was filed in Civility, Dialogue, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
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