Linda Rowan Deming
How To Take The Ass Out Of Assume
What are your biases today? When was the last time you engaged in a conversation with a stranger of a different generation, different gender, different culture? And the reason you haven't is? We keep making assumptions. When you look at me you probably see a white-haired older female who dotes on her grandchildren. Do you see an old hippie from the '60's? What about someone who used to work for the government, carry a gun, with a black belt in martial arts - who was trained to kill not maim? Who now feels passionately about non-violence and strongly believes that with a little help from free mediation, we can all resolve our own conflicts? Look at the person sitting to your right? What would you assume about them? Now the person on your left. Before you go home this evening, check out your assumptions. And then, in the privacy of your own mind, think about some other assumptions you may have made, some other judgements and think about if you could have been wrong then. And if you don't want to talk to the next stranger you see, at least look at them filtering out the ass in assumptions.
About Linda Rowan Deming:
Linda Rowan Deming grew up in Annapolis and graduated from Annapolis High School in 1966. After many adventures living around the world, she is now the Executive Director of the Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution. She relishes the services they provide to schools, senior centers and everyone in between. And, yeah, she really does talk to strangers.
