Alyssa Sirois ‘27 paints her piece, “Work in Progress” hoping to start conversations on campus. (Photo Credit: Mayfield Crier)
In a graying room, there are hordes of faceless people on either side, with a blank space in the middle. The right side is painted with vibrant reds, and the left blossoms with blues. There is tension within the work, the manifestation of unease felt throughout the country.
This artwork, titled “Work in Progress” by Alyssa Sirois ‘27, depicts the division in our country through stark visuals and purposeful color. The work was personal to her, stating that, “My dad and I talk about things like this quite often, such as the communication between two parties and how America is one nation as a whole.”
Sirois said, “I think communication should be more prominent. This piece is about politics and the division between the two parties.”
Sirois, among other students, feel drawn to this subject due to the new political climate penetrating American culture. There is a deliberate sense of unsureness, balancing the proverbial line of what-to-say and what-to-think. Ultimately, there is division in political conversation and an absent will to understand both views. While there may be far more productive ways to carry these conversations, Sirois feels as if they are reduced to criticism and stubbornness.
“It’s important to understand that it is possible to communicate,” Sirois said. “How can we move forward and make decisions as one?”
Though this artist’s question remains ever present and tangible in our Mayfield community, expression through artistry is her method to cope with changing ideas and combat political polarization. How can we develop this coveted political civility through conversation? It starts with civil discourse.
Mayfield’s Formation of Self classes work as the purposeful development of mind, body, and soul. It is used to cultivate the person within, without pretense and with intention. Recently, Sophomore and Freshman FOS classes have introduced civil discourse using a step-by-step process to promote engagement throughout the student body. While these are helpful tips to carry and understand, the task is ultimately in our hands to utilize correctly.
Civil discourse can be practiced by active listening and working to understand different perspectives. Asking clarifying questions to learn more, not debating, and remaining respectful, and mindful of tone and facial expressions goes a long way. Adopting these practices can propel conversation and communication.
Ms. Amber Gravely, Director of Justice, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (JDEI), expresses the importance of civil discourse.
“The world is becoming more polarized and unable to have respectful, thoughtful conversations,” Gravely said. She suggests ways to open up conversation that allows people to think and process their values and beliefs.
As a Holy Child School, in the vein of Cornelia Connelly, said Gravely, Mayfield aims to allow people space to communicate their unique understandings.
“Civil discourse is something we take for granted but absolutely something we need,” Gravely said. “We can be an extremely peaceful and tolerant community and respect others’ beliefs.”
For Alyssa Sirois, creating art upon thought and deliberation is her way of empowering minds. Sirois remarks, “It is important to understand that unity is possible. How can we move forward with action without conversation?”
