If there is one thing that we urgently need in these difficult days, it is constructive dialogue. It should be based on mutual respect so that discussion will not degenerate into something ugly. What we don’t need is a dialogue of the deaf in which no one listens or understands what the other says. The debate that is currently going on in our press and on the Internet is a positive sign that we should build on. Discussion provides us with the light we need if we are to see our way.
The problem with the ongoing discussion is that it is not always as clean and objective as it should be. The language is tense, aggressive and sometimes very hostile.
Some commentators go too far and jump to conclusions that may have never occurred to the writer of the article being responded to. Writers may be attacked for things they have never said. Judgments are passed and writers may find themselves confined to this or that camp. What appears on the Internet is usually even worse since it lacks the basic rules and ethics of constructive intelligent dialogue. No dialogue can be fruitful or meaningful if one or both parties are participating in bad faith. Any discussion in those cirucmstances is a waste of time and may even lead to further distancing of those who are trying to engage in dialogue.
We must admit we have a problem when it comes to dialogue and the reason may be because we are not used to talking to each other and frankly exchanging opinions and views. People accept whatever comes as fate, feeling that it was inevitable.
Those who dare to raise questions or seek other explanations will be labeled as troublemakers or even worse. It all has to do with the prevailing culture. The phenomenon is not confined to Saudi society but is common in virtually all Arab societies.
Talk shows and live interviews on satellite channels have introduced us to bizarre, sometimes funny examples of, public figures whom we would expect to engage in objective discussion, using refined language and logic and convincing their listeners. Instead, what we get is abusive language, lack of objectivity and angered guests shouting at each other.
We still have a lot to learn from this rising phenomenon of public debate. It is an unprecedented development that we must build on. Recent events in the country have generated a good deal of self-criticism which is very healthy.
All we hope for is that the dialogue will become more rational and constructive. This puts more responsibility and pressure on all who use either public or private platforms to express themselves.
- Arab News From the Local Press 29 May 2003
