Only a few believe that everything is in order with the culture of conversation in Latvia, according to a survey conducted by the negotiation festival “Lampa” and the research agency “Norstat”: more than 90% of the population indicate a lack of mutual respect when talking and inability to listen to different opinions. In the attitude towards each other, the negotiation festival “Lamp” this year has put respect as the top of the festival and invites everyone to join the Club of Dignity, informs the negotiator of the festival “Lamp” Irina Kuznetsova.
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According to the survey, 50% of the public indicate that the culture of negotiation in Latvia could be more respectful, because sometimes different views and opinions are not heard, 33% think that the environment in Latvia is intolerant, because people with different views and opinions are criticized and insulted, but still 11% believe that people in Latvia do not know how to talk at all. At the same time, 52% of respondents are convinced that when talking, they always try to listen and go deeper into what the other person has to say, even if the interlocutor has a different or opposite opinion.
“To behave with respect for a person – it means to see an individual without recognizing, not to name, to listen, to respect other people’s feelings, opinions, wishes and rights. Man is not a planed board – polished to perfection, equal to others. People tend to be very different in their beliefs, values, interests, speak different languages, believe different gods or not believe at all. Problems arise when people refuse to accept this diversity, trying to impose their only “right” opinion on everyone and proclaiming those who think differently as enemies or fools. However, a democratic society is unthinkable without dialogue and negotiation, where respect is the basis of communication, although respecting it can be a very difficult task, ”says Ieva Morica, director of the Lampa negotiation festival.
In order to promote dignified conversations, the main theme of “Lamps” this year is dignity, and the festival team also invites everyone to train dignity muscles in a symbolic Dignity Club, I. Kuznetsova points out. What is dignity, why talk to dissenters, how not to turn a conversation into a dispute and what are the preconditions for a dignified conversation – these are the questions to which the answers are offered and encourage to discuss it in the video series of the Lamp Club Dignity Club. The videos of the Club of Honor will be gradually available on the social networks of the festival, as well as can be seen together on the portal “Delfi.lv”.
“At the initiative of every potential member of the Club of Dignity, as well as for discussions about various aspects of dignity with family, friends, colleagues or strangers, the principles of a dignified conversation are discussed and challenged by musicians Ozols and Evija Vēbere. Of course, no official application or joining is required – any of us can become a member of the Talk Club “Lamp” Honor Club at any time, committing to choose dignity as your main communication tool, “says I.Morica.
The fact that people in Latvia do not enjoy respect has been acknowledged by the survey participants: 59% of Latvians in the last year have observed disrespectful treatment of others due to different views or behaviors, mainly – 62% – as insults or verbal attacks on the Internet. On the other hand, 36% have experienced disrespectful treatment of themselves, most often (38%) receiving criticism for expressing the opposite opinion and opinion among friends or family. This is mostly indicated by young people aged 18–29 (75% of respondents in this age group), reports I. Kuznetsova.
Increasingly, we hear the words “covidote”, “Kremlin agent”, “fool”, “provocateur”, “vatnik”, “zombie” and other signs that people broadcast against those whose actions or opinions they do not like. It is difficult to respect a person if you have different values, live in different “bubbles” and even in information spaces. But without dignity, conversation and, consequently, our relationship with other people becomes a struggle, a conversation partner – an opponent and even an enemy, and words – weapons. That is why this year “Lampa” invites you to listen and find something else valuable for expanding your horizons, “emphasizes I. Morica.
This year, the negotiation festival “Lamp” will be able to experience it again in Cēsis, learning new venues, says I. Kuzņecova. On the other hand, it will be possible to follow the course of the festival anywhere, free of charge by watching live discussions or joining like-minded people “Lampas” together in viewing places: libraries and houses of culture, co-production rooms and cafes throughout Latvia. The full list of total viewing venues, which will be updated until the beginning of August, can be found on the festival website festivalslampa.lv.
* The survey was commissioned by the research agency “Norstat” in June 2021, commissioned by the negotiation festival “Lampa”, surveying 1,008 Latvian residents aged 18-74.
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