We have started a national dialogue, but all those involved seem to come from just one generation. Dialogue, as the name indicates, is supposed to be an exchange between groups, not a monologue by one particular side. Even those involved at present seem not to be fully prepared for debate. This is because social institutions, the family, schools and colleges, as well as the media have all neglected the education and preparation of young people for these things. To ensure success and continuity, children must be taught the basics of dialogue from an early age, with their families encouraging them to engage in public discussion and express opinions.
What in fact happens is that when children ask questions or want to know something, they are told to be quiet, denied an answer or provided with an answer they know is not right. Some parents even scold and shout at their children. Such treatment reflects negatively on the child, leaving them confused. It might even lead them in a direction that may be detrimental to the child and society.
The picture at school is not better than the one at home. Instead of encouraging students to engage in discussions and express their opinions, teachers think their students are no match for them and should always be on the receiving end. It is this air of authority and sense of superiority that leads teachers to behave arrogantly to their students.
Students at all levels of education, from primary to college, would not dare to express different views in public and if they did, they would be viewed as having crossed a red line. Their views are either neglected or met with indifference from the very persons who are supposed to serve as their models.
I recall an incident when a pupil was going to pray at the school mosque. Seeing the child walking calmly, the teacher shouted at him to hurry up in order to catch up with others. The boy replied he had been taught that any one going to pray should not rush or dash into, trying to catch his breath. The teacher, who would not admit such a reply from a child, responded by smacking the boy in front of everybody. The success of any dialogue will be guaranteed when our children learn how to speak without fear of being ridiculed or punished.
