#69 CONTROVERSY ON (BEER) COASTERS

In times when political polarization and emotionally charged debates are the order of the day, there is an urgent need to strengthen our ability to discuss different opinions respectfully and constructively. We have an idea:

A relaxed atmosphere, possibly accompanied by a cool drink, can often produce the most productive conversations. This environment could be ideal for sharpening our ability to disagree - and all in a relaxed setting during a visit to the pub.

The concept is simple: a box with empty beer coasters and a few pens is placed on each pub table. An inviting sign encourages guests to write down a controversial thesis anonymously on a coaster and put it back in the box. Anyone who is interested pulls a beer coaster from the box and discusses the contents with the people sitting next to them. The special feature? You have to argue in favor of the thesis on the beer mat - regardless of your own convictions.

By defending someone else's opinion, guests can better empathize with the perspectives of others. This promotes understanding for different points of view, challenges one's own prejudices and thus strengthens the ability to disagree.

As an additional option, beer coasters with predetermined controversial topics could be provided. The arguments for the respective position could be written on the front and counter-arguments on the back. For additional suggestions for political education work with beer mats, we recommend, for example, the project "Bierdeckel gegen Vorurteile" by the Atticus e.V. association.