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Discussion » Questions » Life and Society » Everyone has the right to speak but what right to be heard?

Everyone has the right to speak but what right to be heard?

Posted - January 12, 2018

Responses


  • I've never heard of a law that enshrines the right to be heard.

    There are many situations that require listening:
    salespeople needing to know what the customer wants,
    translators of languages,
    journalists interviewing,
    students at lectures and in tutorials,
    government inquiries which examine the witnesses,
    courts which hear evidence,
    peacemakers trying to negotiate solutions,
    psychologists paying attention to clients' experiences and needs,
    communications specialists teaching the skills of listening.

    If we humans were smarter, we would talk less and listen more.

    As I think about it, it's hard to imagine how The Right to Be Heard would be enshrined.
    How would it be phrased?
    What institutions and laws would protect it?
    Would the skills of listening become part of the education system,
    and integrated by writers into our diet of stories?
    Would religions change?

    But I think it's a great idea.
    And maybe it starts here... This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at January 12, 2018 11:07 PM MST
      January 12, 2018 11:05 PM MST
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  • 7683
    Your mouth is yours but someone's ears can't be yours;))
      January 12, 2018 11:11 PM MST
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  • 1812
    Did you say something?
      January 13, 2018 12:01 AM MST
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  • 17364
    The only time I can think of a right to be heard is a defendant's right to question his accuser and a right to testify in his trial.  That is all that comes to mind right now.  But I'm quite tired.  Maybe I'll add something else later.
      January 13, 2018 3:30 AM MST
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  • 1812
    That is a good answer. Sounds like it is coming from a lawyer.
      January 13, 2018 3:34 AM MST
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  • 17364
    A tired one.  I've stayed up all night again.  I wish my body clock worked like everyone elses.  Do you stay up all night too?  I sleep plenty but I do it during the daytime which interferes with life. 
      January 13, 2018 4:51 AM MST
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  • 1812
    I have alweys had trouble sleeping, so I can relate.
      January 13, 2018 4:56 PM MST
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  • 17364
    Oh I have no trouble at all sleeping.  As soon as I lie down I'm asleep and usually sleep eight straight hours.  It's just that my body likes to be up at night and sleep in the morning and rise early afternoon.  I rather sleep at night but unless I make an effort and be strict about it I find myself going to sleep at five or six in the AM and getting up around one or two.  
      January 13, 2018 11:02 PM MST
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