This past week, we held a Clubhouse discussion titled, “Anti-Polarisation ‘Toolkit’: How can we get started?” About a hundred people joined during the two-hour long discussion, and we heard the views of more than dozen people.
Here are some themes that emerged: 1. We’ve lost the art of conversation and need to reclaim it. (See related Media Buddhi post.) 2. Instead of claiming to know the ‘answers’ in any discussion between friends, family, and on WhatsApp Groups and getting stuck to our positions, we could instead try a different approach — ask non-threatening questions about our beliefs. 3. There’s no point in trying to have an honest conversation with people who are wilfully trying to be difficult or are trolling you. 4. Ideally, it is the oppressor’s job to reach out to the oppressed, and not the other way around. (While I do believe this myself, I’m not sure it will work. This is because the oppressor can also be oppressed, and even if not so, may feel that they are oppressed.)
We will continue to hold such conversations, on Clubhouse and elsewhere. But the purpose of this thread is to find out what you believe.
How can we get started in de-polarising ourselves and each other? How can we get over our deeply-held beliefs and reach out to the other? How can we have difficult conversations with each other on important issues when we are so sharply divided?
How do we build an Anti-Polarisation 'Toolkit'?
How do we build an Anti-Polarisation 'Toolkit'?
How do we build an Anti-Polarisation 'Toolkit'?
This past week, we held a Clubhouse discussion titled, “Anti-Polarisation ‘Toolkit’: How can we get started?” About a hundred people joined during the two-hour long discussion, and we heard the views of more than dozen people.
Here are some themes that emerged:
1. We’ve lost the art of conversation and need to reclaim it. (See related Media Buddhi post.)
2. Instead of claiming to know the ‘answers’ in any discussion between friends, family, and on WhatsApp Groups and getting stuck to our positions, we could instead try a different approach — ask non-threatening questions about our beliefs.
3. There’s no point in trying to have an honest conversation with people who are wilfully trying to be difficult or are trolling you.
4. Ideally, it is the oppressor’s job to reach out to the oppressed, and not the other way around. (While I do believe this myself, I’m not sure it will work. This is because the oppressor can also be oppressed, and even if not so, may feel that they are oppressed.)
We will continue to hold such conversations, on Clubhouse and elsewhere. But the purpose of this thread is to find out what you believe.
How can we get started in de-polarising ourselves and each other? How can we get over our deeply-held beliefs and reach out to the other? How can we have difficult conversations with each other on important issues when we are so sharply divided?
Do write below.