Dissent and critical consciousness are imperative components for a group dialogue to be transformative. However, because of the continued militarization of the United States and its culture of violence, critical dialogue about the military is often taboo and discouraged. This case study aimed to foster dissent, critical consciousness, and transformation among participants in the face of ongoing violence and militarization. The literature review and theoretical framework informed the historical-cultural background of the study’s significance, the facilitation and participation guidelines necessary for transformative dialogue, and its role in social change. I collected data from dialogue sessions and journal entries with a group of U.S. military veterans. I facilitated dialogues about contentious topics related to the U.S. military. I used qualitative data analysis and found that the connection and identity of the dialogue group changed from the start to the conclusion of the study. We mainly discussed: 1) expressions of patriotism and 2) gender, violence, and the military “hero.” Early on, some participants exhibited militaristic core beliefs3 and problematic communication practices when sharing reflections on their personal military experiences and arguing their points. Eventually, all participants engaged critically, compassionately, and displayed shifts in behaviors and thinking. Participants welcomed dissent, built upon a collective consciousness, induced transformation within each other, and inspired possibilities for social action. This study adds to both communications- and military history scholarship because it engages participants in a process essential for social change and directly brings into question the institution of the military. The research elucidates the significance of dialogue in relation to sustainable communities, especially about contentious issues related to powerful and destructive institutions and systems in place. Finally, in this study I ask new questions about how dialogue may reinforce the status quo and how demilitarization efforts can be situated amongst movements towards equity, justice, and liberation.

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