Rhymed reflections by Francisco Gomes de Matos, a peace linguist from Recife, Brazil

ON DISAGREEMENT

Human beings have the right to disagree
We may have different opinions, you and me

Today`s world differently we see
Life: a cup of coffee or a cup of tea

On disagreement: is it a quality
that may help improve our humanity?

Disagreement is more than To be or not to be
It is ways of imagining the realities we think we see

DISAGREEMENT: A POSITIVE VIEW

To disagree is never to disrespect
but a way to challenge one´s intellect

Constructive disagreement: what is needed?
Human DIGNITY universally heeded

EDUCATING FOR HEALTHY DISAGREEMENT

How can we be educated to disagree ?
By learning to communicate, in a School of Dignity

HUMOR IN DISAGREEMENT

When can disagreement become a humorous feat ?
When two discordant voices walk on the funny side of the street

Can disagreement be funny?
Yes,when reasons for differences aren´t sunny

Why “EYE-TO-EYE” we can´t always see?
Because YOU are YOU, and I am ME

(IN)DIGNITY

Disagreement without Dignity?
Indignity! Indignity!

DIGNITY IN DAILY DIALOGUE-DISCOURSE: a plea

If we want to honor the right to respectfully disagree
Let´s veto all varieties of verbal and visual violence
and COMMUNICATIVE DIGNITY will inhabit our conscience

TOWARD DIGNIFIED DISAGREEMENT

Disagreement with Dignity globally: when will there be?
When our humanizing role as DIGNIFIERS will be played by YOU and ME

(received January 10, 2011)