[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# What Are We Trying to Say? A Systems Thinking Approach to the 'Free Speech' Debate

## Details

**Authors** Wolfe H

**Year** 2016

**Publisher** Cornell Policy Review

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Public Policy

**Kind of engagement** applications

[Read it](https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/a-systems-thinking-approach-to-the-debate-about-free-speech-on-police-vehicles-in-the-u-s/)

## In authors' words

### Abstract

This article briefly demonstrates a systems thinking approach to help readers gain a more insightful understanding of differing perspectives Americans hold about placing the words "In God We Trust" on police vehicles. By using systems thinking tools such as MetaMaps to visualize relevant distinctions, systems, relationships and perspectives, the author challenges the way we communicate our differing understandings (mental models) by challenging how we think about our own thinking and the thinking of others. This article aims to give readers ways to determine how communicating different understandings can help others reach resolutions more clearly and efficiently.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A Cornell Policy Review piece using systems thinking and MetaMaps on the debate over placing "In God We Trust" on police vehicles.

### What they found (results)

Visualizing the distinctions, systems, relationships, and perspectives challenges how we think about our own thinking and others' — and communicating those differing mental models helps people reach resolutions more clearly and efficiently.

## Commentary

### In short

A student application of DSRP, from the Cornell Policy Review systems thinking special issues.

**Patterns it shows** P

**How to cite this** Wolfe H (2016). What Are We Trying to Say? A Systems Thinking Approach to the 'Free Speech' Debate. Cornell Policy Review.