We must learn how to use conflict effectively

I feel that one of the major issues that hasn't been mentioned enough involves how we as Blacks handle conflict. I am not referring just to conflict between general issues like s*xual orientation or religious beliefs. I am referring to conflict as a whole. This includes conflict of interest, lack of understanding to use conflict effectively, conflict of priories, leadership conflicts, and ego-based reasons that produce conflict.

We face a variety of conflicts as we learn to work with one another. It is a part of what makes us human. I look forward to conflict as long as it remains productive and strengthens the collective effort. We don't have to, and probably won't agree on a course of action for the majority of national agendas, but our conflict should be focused on such issues and not on negative efforts to provoke confrontations.

I hope for our nation to become motivated to step up to the challenges we face not only internationally, but also internally. We must learn to resolve our own issues that have plagued advancement of our society at so many different levels before we attempt to remedy other nations aliments. As a young Black Man who has seen both positive and negative effects of conflict, I won't begin to pull punches or comply with anything that is not in agreement with my morals and values.

I employ others to voice their opinions as well and stand for what they believe in by not avoiding conflict, instead mastering the process of using it effectively. As we work through our conflicts and attempt to reach solutions, we must also remember to show a certain level of respect toward one another. Both parties should understand that respect is earned by showing it first. This understanding should be incorporated in all confrontations to remind each party involved to freely express their opinion and remain willing work together to resolve the issue.

Conflict has its place in daily life. When used effectively, it can create positive change on a global scale. I believe that it is good and needed to express our gift of free will given to us from God. Asking questions when something isn't sounding right is a perfect example of using conflict to better oneself. It allow you activate your thinking and reasoning skills and ask "Why" something is the way it is. To just remain silent or intimidated defeats the whole learning process.

Like everything in this world, we should strive to maintain balance even in conflict. I am not an aggressive confrontational person, but I don't accept things at face value either. Conflict is like a form of leverage that you can use as a tool to get down to the nitty gritty. Used in the wrong context or the wrong situations, it can do more damage then good. Today's political system is a perfect example of poorly used conflict. I say again, that we as a Black people must learn more effective ways to use situational awareness and incorporate positive conflict, using it to increase our opportunities for success