Matt Devine, MBA ’22: What’s Possible When We Stay?

TL;DR

Staying in difficult conversations and relationships can lead to personal growth, stronger connections, and a sense of belonging.

Transcript

my dad always told me 99 of being a parent is showing up for your kids this from a man who deferred countless promotions to be sure that he came home for dinner every night and echoed by my mom who gave up her career to raise me and my sisters in our family we hug until the other person lets go and then just a little bit longer as a reminder that t... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Cancel culture inhibits the possibility of meaningful conversations and understanding across differences.
• 🥺 Staying in difficult conversations and relationships can lead to personal growth and stronger connections.
• 💱 LGBTQ individuals have always been a part of religious communities, and their presence can create positive change.
• ✌️ Maintaining friendships across differences, even in conflict zones, can change lives and bring about peace.
• 🥺 Engaging with angry individuals and finding common ground can lead to understanding and potential change.
• 🛀 Staying in relationships and showing up for others increases the likelihood of receiving support and loyalty.
• 🥺 Making the decision to stay in difficult situations is challenging but can lead to personal growth and a sense of belonging.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does cancel culture make it difficult to have relationships across difference?

Cancel culture encourages people to cut ties with others based on differing beliefs, making it challenging to have meaningful conversations and understand different perspectives. It hinders the possibility of growth and connection.

Q: Why does the speaker choose to stay in the Catholic Church despite the discrimination they faced?

The speaker believes in being the change they want to see and hopes to be a positive influence for others. They choose to stay for the few people who may find solace and acceptance through their presence.

Q: What is the significance of maintaining friendships across differences in conflict zones?

The speaker shares their experience at a camp where Palestinian and Israeli teens built friendships despite the conflict. These relationships had a profound impact on their lives, showing that staying and showing up for each other can bring positive change.

Q: How does the speaker handle difficult phone calls from angry viewers?

The speaker shares a few instances where they chose to engage with angry callers by finding common ground. Through empathy and understanding, they were able to create connections and potentially change the perspective of the callers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Many people are giving up on relationships and resorting to cancel culture on social media, making it challenging to have relationships across differences.

• The speaker shares their experience as a queer person in the Catholic Church and the opposition they faced, but also the support they received from some members.

• The importance of staying and showing up for friends and maintaining friendships across differences, even in conflict zones, is highlighted.