There has been an onslaught of outrageous headlines over the past several weeks. From the Travyon Martin case to the terrorist shootings in France, we’ve seen a series of defining moments in our world.
Given these persistent reports, we must coalesce as a country, as a community, and as citizens to prevent intolerance, as well as promote peace and understanding. Easier said than done, right? Not exactly; in reality, it’s less complex than we think.
How can we promote cultural change and facilitate an understanding of each other? One word: communication. And by communication, I mean in person, face-to-face communication. When we are physically in the presences of others, we have the power to inspire positive, progressive change.
We can create a new system of comprehension and compassion.
We educate one another through communication. You don’t have to be sitting in a classroom to receive an education on a subject. After our formal schooling, we have the ability to act as professors, mentors, and leaders to each other. Sometimes the most valuable education is learned outside of a classroom by a non-traditional instructor.
We empathize with each other through personal contact and communication. When we are sitting across from someone who is divulging their vicissitudes, we have the power to convey genuine compassion. Aside from love, there is no greater feeling than the feeling of validation and being authentically understood.
We empower one another through communication. No one wants to feel isolated or defeated. When we unite around each other, we give people a voice. Our verbal and non-verbal communication has the capability to function in three extraordinary ways: we can empower hope, we can empower strength, and we can empower solutions.
In order to have a productive conversation, it is imperative to be in a warm, inviting setting. Our homes will always suffice, but public settings are ideal because they are welcoming to everyone, not just the people in our tribe. This is why coffee shops, pubs, lounges, and restaurant bars are the best venues to conduct various types of conversations. These spaces allow us to ask the opinion of others and inspire public discourse.
The Public House, or Pub, was designed for imbibition, socialization and public debate. Pubs forested camaraderie and communal interaction. Family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and those passing through would gather at public houses to participate in civic companionship. They were looking to connect over a beverage, and actively engage in conversations about the state of their society.
In the wake of our current circumstances, we are in dire need of continual dialogue and fellowship.
How many of us can say that we strive to physically interact with people in our communities on a consistent basis? Forget about electronic communities; social media does not apply. I am referring to real, tangible communities: familial communities, business communities, educational communities, recreational communities, local communities, etc.
Civic companionship does not have to be a waning association. We have the ability to reach out to our citizens and our communities. Ergo, I am advocating for more public engagement (and affable argumentation) in our pubs, taverns, and restaurant bars. Let’s bring back the tradition of the Public House; let’s use every establishment’s Happy Hour as an opportunity to connect with each other, to enlighten each other, and to create legitimate change in our world.
We have the power to construct a new narrative and hopeful headlines.
When you need an escape from the daily grind, or just a place to unwind with friends, go to your Margarita Place. Go to Chili’s. Our daily specials on margaritas & appetizers are the perfect excuse for you and your friends to get together after work. Premium margaritas, boneless buffalo wings and hanging out with friends at Chili’s—there’s no better way to end your day.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Chili’s via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Chili’s