It either becomes an argument where opposing sides never even attempt to understand each other -- or, equally problematic, the conversation remains so polite, so worried about offending someone, that it accomplishes nothing.
I use the word "problematic" in casual conversation.
The partition of 1947 was a more problematic and divisive conversation-piece, but even there the communal violence that had made many Bengali Hindus leave their ancestral lands was explained away with a sad shrug –"It was the madness of those times".
Usually, I refuse these invitations and try to explain why I think it is problematic to frame the conversation in this way, but that invariably results in the "debate" going ahead anyway while I listen in frustration at home, so this time I raised the issue when it arose on the programme instead.
What's problematic is that the conversation around diversity ends up not being inclusive.
This strategy is useful and necessary in everyday conversation, but problematic in writing.
I cannot begin to recount all of the times interfaith work has opened up a space for robust conversations on problematic religious practices and beliefs -- in fact, it has been a hallmark of my experience working in the interfaith movement.
It's in synch with the website's problematic promise to deliver "lively conversation about age-defying people" but it is a narrow and punishing metric, because it suggests that the way to have value in old age is to "act young".
He revisited the subject of media later in the interview discussing the problematic "filters" that block potential conversations, "Look if I watched Fox News, I wouldn't vote for me either," Obama said.
Modern life provides us with constant opportunities to be scrutinized by others, and while few among us wouldn't be nervous about giving a work presentation or a speech at a wedding, an ongoing fear of saying the wrong thing in casual conversations can become problematic.
