LAMPA talk festival talks about respect: Evija Vēbere and Ozols share their experience

A portfolio of life that builds dignity

“We have to respect, respect each other. There is a portfolio of our own experience that builds their respect. Until you burn yourself, you think again, ‘Oh, well,'” says Ozols.

“When two years ago a lot of people talked about me and about what I can do that I can’t, then I don’t talk about anyone anymore. Let’s call it talking. I can’t talk to anyone after that. If I also heard that someone does, then I started numbness, “says Weber, agreeing with Ozols that after burning a lot changes in perception.

The different and different in Latvia do not enjoy respect

According to the survey data, 50% of the public indicate that the culture of negotiation in Latvia could be more dignified, 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 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 inconceivable without dialogue and negotiations, 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.

To promote dignified conversations, the lamp of this year is respect, and the festival team also invites everyone to train the muscles of honor in a symbolic Club of Dignity. 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 that will be answered and encouraged to be discussed in the video series of the LAMPA Respect Club of the Negotiation Festival.

“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 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 LAMPA Dignity Club of the Negotiation Festival at any time, committing to choose dignity as your main communication tool, ”says Ieva Morica.

The fact that the different and different in Latvia do not enjoy respect was 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).

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 Ieva Morica.

This year, LAMPA will be able to experience the Conversation Festival in person again in Cēsis, learning new venues. However, in order for this to happen and an unlimited number of people to attend the festival, LAMPAS will be available on presentation of a valid Covid-19 certificate confirming the completion of a full vaccination course or illness during the last six months, together with an ID card or passport. Therefore, this year the festival will be open to visitors from the age of 12, and LAMPAS organizers invite to watch the festival remotely also for those who have the youngest at home, because it will not be possible to be with children under 12, including infants.

However, it will be possible to follow the course of the festival anywhere, watching live discussions free of charge or joining like-minded people LAMPAS together in viewing places: libraries and culture houses, co-production rooms and cafes throughout Latvia – from Aloja to Dundaga. For a complete list of viewing venues, which will be updated until the beginning of August, look on the festival website.

The survey was commissioned by the Research Agency Norstat in June 2021 on behalf of the LAMPA Negotiation Festival, surveying 1,008 Latvian residents aged 18–74.

About the Negotiation Festival LAMPA

The LAMPA conversation festival is a place for free and respectful exchange of ideas, valuable conversations, sharpening of the mind and broadening of horizons. It is an inspiring and exciting platform for everyone who has something to say and for everyone who is ready to listen. The main goal of the festival is to strengthen the culture of democracy, discussion and respectful negotiations in Latvia.