How Do We Fix It?28 Jan 2022

Reducing Polarization All By Yourself: Kamy Akhavan

Across the board— from voter access to questions of race and gender, and views of the economy— the gap between Republicans and Democrats has grown wider in recent years. According to recent polling, a rising share of Americans say that having political conversations with those they disagree with is “stressful and frustrating”.

Political polarization and the recent actions of party leaders have prevented compromise and resolution of critical problems.

We discuss five personal ways to reduce polarization with our guest, Kamy Akhavan, Director of the Center for the Political Future at the University of Southern California, and former CEO of the well-known non-partisan site procon.org

"In today's political climate we don't respect the other side: We don't care what they have to say," says Kamy. "Our immediate reaction goes to defense. It is 'stop that side'".

5 personal tips to depolarize:

1. Listen to understand not to judge.

2. Commit to speak with and learn from others you disagree with.

3. Seek Opposing Views. Is your sense of what the other side is saying a mere characterization of what they say?

4. Interpret Generously. Don't assume that those with different ideological and cultural views are bad people.

5. Superordinate. Instead of pursuing common ground, recognize our underlying shared values. Seek out what you have in common with your workers, colleagues, and—yes— political opponents.

In this episode, Kamy also shares his personal experience as an immigrant and a bridge builder.

Recommendation: Jim is reading the science fiction novel, "Far From the Light of Heaven", by Tade Thompson.

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