by Deirdre Grace
For this post I’d like to highlight some new books at the library about the deepening divisions within our society, and the possibility of a simple solution – conversation.
I Never Thought of It That Way / Monica Guzman
The author, Monica Guzman is concerned about the growing divide in society, she is a journalist by trade and now working for Braver Angels, a depolarization project.
This book encourages people to have conversations with those who hold opposing views, not to persuade them or to debate with them, but to learn where they’re coming from. The author would like us to talk with people, ask questions out of curiosity and listen.
As Guzman sees it, bridging the divide is going to take more than stopping the flow of fake news and false information, “I’m done, too, going along with the idea that if we could just rid the world of ‘misinformation’ everything would be fine…..False stories soar because good people relate to something in them that’s true: a fear or value or concern that’s going unheard, unexplained and unacknowledged.”
The book includes techniques on questioning and listening to foster better dialogue, and anecdotes from the authors personal and professional life.
Why We’re Polarized / Ezra Klein
Journalist, podcaster and blogger Ezra Klein examines the research on the deep divisions in American politics and offers his analysis and some solutions. Not surprisingly, the reviews are polarized. So why not check it out for yourself?
Let’s Agree to Disagree: A Critical Thinking Guide to Communication, Conflict Management and Critical Media Literacy / by Nolan Higdon and Mickey Huff
Higdon and Huff introduce theories and strategies to help readers improve communication skills, become more discerning media consumers and sharpen critical thinking abilities. Includes case studies.
