Extension to Communities

Controversy and conflicts arise when there are shortages of certain resources, such as money, power, time, space, influence. They also arise because we are not all the same. We have different values, beliefs, experiences, skills, knowledge, self-interests.

• We tend to use the words "conflict" and "controversy" interchangeably. Is there is a difference between conflict and controversy?

  Controversy:

  A discussion marked by the expression of opposing views.
  (disagreement, variance)

  Objective: to develop a proposal to satisfy the collective need or overcome a collective problem

  Consensus:

  A judgment arrived at by most concerned

  Conflict:

  To show antagonism or irreconcilability
  (hostile, belligerent, contentious, contrary)

• Is controversy natural? Likely? Healthy?
  Is conflict natural? Likely? Healthy?

  Controversy	Conflict
  natural	natural
  likely	likely
  healthy	unhealthy

  If controversy is handled right, it is not only healthy, but necessary.

Here is an outline of a process called "Values Clothesline" that can be used to help a group of people see how beliefs, experience, and knowledge lead people to make very different value judgements. A PowerPoint presentation (118k) of this material is also available.

1. Numbers from 1 to 10 are taped along one wall of the meeting room before the meeting starts.

2. The facilitator hands out a score sheet. The facilitator reads 8 to 10 value-laden statements. For each statement read, the audience writes down a number between 1 and 10, with 1 being strongly disagree and 10 being strongly agree.

3. After all questions have been read and scored by the participants, a couple of ground rules for discussion should be explained.
   1. They must be active listeners, really trying to hear what other participants are saying.
   2. They can't jump in and argue with the values and opinions of another participant.

4. The facilitator reads a question. The participants stand near the number that corresponds to their answer. (Participants are duty-bound to stand where their number is and not let where other people are standing change their position.)

5. The facilitator asks the people standing under the number 1 why they are standing there. Group discussion. Ask the people standing under some of the other numbers why they are standing there. After people have expressed their views, ask if anyone wants to shift or change where they are standing.

   Two observations:

   a. things are usually not black and white

   b. "huddle-in-the-middle" -- no strong opinion -- can see both sides

   Some topics are too hot to handle --- abortion.

6. The facilitator should ask the participants what they observed in this process.

   Is this an issue that can be resolved? Example: county music vs. jazz

7. Human Thought Triangle -- most people are driven by faith, not science.

   Faith: emotion, values, opinions, religion. How you feel about an issue, and cannot prove it. (abortion)

   Science: empirical, proven facts, research-based, scientific.

   Politics: Reactive corner of the triangle. Self-interests -- jobs, money, votes, power, harassment.

8. Divide into two groups. Using a local issue, draw circles on faith-science-politics triangle. Example

9. How is this issue going to play out in the community?
   If we want an unbiased view, what part of the triangle do we want to be the largest for the public? If we want people to be swayed to a particular point of view, where do we want people to be in the triangle?

10. What did we learn? How can we apply this to our issue here?
    1. Controversy is not bad; in fact, it's a necessary reality. The challenge is to recognize it and deal with it in a constructive manner.

    2. The goal(s) and strategies for solving a problem are determined by people's values and beliefs.

    3. Values are the most prominent factor in addressing controversy. Logic and facts often take a back seat to emotion.

    4. Don't assume others share your values or beliefs. The values clothesline underscores this fact.

    5. Controversy must be addressed before consensus and constructive action can be taken.

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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. Questions or comments? Contact the Extension to Communities Secretary, lindaek@iastate.edu last updated Thursday March 01 2001