They may cite examples from their own lives, when a disagreement with a friend led to a resolution that actually strengthened the relationship. They can find examples from world history when struggles for civil rights and political rights led to positive change. Gradually, students begin to wrap their heads around this notion and offer responses. So we ask them next: When can conflict be positive? The dominant connotation in many young people’s minds is that conflict is inherently bad.
Off the tops of their heads, their answers typically include “violence,” “war,” “fight,” and sometimes “destruction” or even “hatred.” Looking at these associations, it is clear what the words have in common: they are negative.
This is an exercise we often use with students at middle school and high school levels. When you hear the word “conflict,” what immediately comes to mind?
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