That’s a comforting response. I always like hearing from wise teachers who have learned the value of listening to their students. That was always my favorite part about teaching.

There are so many conversations that are simply not honest conversations. I get a lot of people who try to draw me into time wasting arguments and I’ve learned to block them. They’re just trying to provoke you, but the other side is that everyone has become skeptical about honest questions. These days, I think honest questions are rare.

In this part of the state, people just want to laugh when you bring up real issues that affect people. It’s a pretty effective and aggressive tactic for stoping the transfer of information.

I agree, it’s so hard for kids who think their community hates them. People who advocate for a more tolerant community also feel hated.

Thanks for the thoughtful comment!