What is Dialogue? Webster's dictionary definition:
di·a·logue also di·a·log \d-lôg, -lg\
  1. a written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing
  2. a: a conversation between two or more persons; also : a similar exchange between a person and something else (as a computer)
    b: an exchange of ideas and opinions
    c: a discussion between representatives of parties to a conflict that is aimed at resolution
  3. a: the conversational element of literary or dramatic composition
  4. a musical composition for two or more parts suggestive of a conversation

Dialogue is an important part of our life. We use it to communicate our thoughts, needs, ideas, and with the help of others, to make our goals and dreams a reality. It's a way to build a community. It's a way to help us understand one another. It's a way to involve everyone in a conversation which isn't meant to benefit one person over another in a zero-sum game, but to achieve unilateral success. Prolific dialogue can lead to successful accomplishments and the involvement of all of those who want to and need to act together to achieve a common purpose. Without dialogue we are left with empty communication. Different models of dialogue exist, and each has its own sets of strengths and weaknesses.

Some issues, circumstances and events repeatedly and systematically prohibit true dialogue from achieving its goal, and that goal is to not only communicate with one another, but also to understand one another and move forward as a society. Too often the truths are distorted to achieve a short term goal for a select few. Misinformation, half-truths, spin, and outright lies all add to the problems faced by people around the world from understanding one another.

As a society, we must look at the issues affecting prolific dialogue:

  • Where is dialogue missing?
  • Where are we misunderstanding each other?
  • How can these misunderstandings be addressed?
  • Who or what is stopping the dialogue from being truthful and honest?
  • What dialogue is working (Socrates Cafe, philosophy cafe, music, poetry, )
  • What dialogue is not working (lobbyists, politicians, lawyers, greed, money)
  • Which topics are repeatedly prevented from having a dialogue between the two sides (economics, poverty, First and Third Worlds)

This essay descibes how the Modernization Theory was presented as a way to help less devloped countries, but was in reality a new form of Colonization. Modernization Theory, Modern Colonization