How to Overcome Toxic Polarization
The recent death of Senator—and former Presidential nominee—Robert Dole reminded me that there was once a time when Republican and Democratic leaders not only talked cordially with one another, but actually collaborated to promote the common good.
Dole and the late Senator (and Presidential nominee himself) George McGovern disagreed on many things, notably foreign policy. But they did successfully work together to promote agriculture and address rural poverty. Their shared experience as World War II combat veterans may have helped cement their personal relationship.
But those days of mutual respect and joint problem-solving seem long ago. And in today’s political climate, it’s hard to believe that they will return any time soon. That’s why I’m looking forward to hearing the optimistic voice of Columbia University psychology professor Peter Coleman this Friday. He is speaking this Friday in an event hosted by the Program on Negotiation (PON).
Peter will preview his forthcoming book on overcoming polarization. The lessons apply to division in the highest levels of government, of course, but also divides in our communities and perhaps within our own families.
Addressing the challenges won’t be easy, I know, but if we as individuals don’t even try to find a way to talk with people with whom we strongly disagree, our prospects seem grim, indeed.
The session runs from 12 to 1 PM (ET) this Friday, December 17. The event is free and open to the public. For more about the talk, see this PON page. And here’s the link to register.
Hope to see you there! Mike
Housekeeping
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