The idea of people from varying ethnic and racial backgrounds and beliefs and life experiences discussing race relations can be like striking a match over gunpowder.
But with some preparation, the situation does not have to be explosive, said Deborah Pearce, a communications consultant and a member of the Communication Arts Department at Xavier University.
''You start with the fact that the topic is emotionally loaded,'' she said. ''Quite honestly, I don't know if there's any topic that seems to raise more passion than race.''
There can be many barriers to effective dialogue - everything from poor listening skills to body language, experts say. That's why work must be done before people are ready to engage in discussions about race.
The National Conference, formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews, offers these guidelines in the pamphlet ''Rights, Risks and Responsibilities of Dialogue.''
Each person has the responsibility to:
- Listen to others patiently and without judgment.
- Not make untested assumptions about others.
- Grant basic human respect to others, even in times of conflict or disagreement.
- Evaluate his or her own values and attitudes.
The skills could be useful if people follow President Clinton's lead. Earlier this year, he launched an effort to promote discussions about race relations.
Dialogue about race can challenge attitudes and improve participants' lives. The purpose of dialogue is to establish understanding and respect. Agreement may or may not result.
''What's going to make this a real challenge is that some people might come into the discussion with hidden agendas,'' Ms. Pearce said. ''Some people will look at coming into the discussion as if it's a battle to be won. (Their mentality) is to beat out the other person's ideas with my ideas.''
The National Conference suggests that participants have the right ''not to change or be forced to change.'' The human relations organization also suggests that each participant has the right to ask other group members to hold what is said in confidence.
But engaging in racial dialogue means more than talking.
It means listening.
In deference to that increasingly rare skill, Art Shriberg suggests the president rename his race initiative.
''Maybe dialogue is not the best thing,'' said Mr. Shriberg, an associate professor of management at Xavier University and a diversity consultant and syndicated columnist. ''Maybe listening is the best thing. My mother taught me that there's a reason why there's two ears and only one mouth.''
Enquirer reporter Mark Curnutte contributed to this story.
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