Member-only story
Pod Save Thanksgiving
An Inside Look at Polarization & How to Overcome the Great Divide
Did you know half of Americans have experienced political divides within their own families?
With that in mind — and just in time to save your Thanksgiving dinner from turning into a war zone — this podcast episode features a Fast Chat with renowned expert Peter T. Coleman, Ph.D. who gives us an inside look at polarization, how it has developed over time, and what to do to overcome our conflicts. And yes, we put the professor’s expertise to the test when we discuss how to break bread and keep the peace with relatives who not only camp out on the other side of the aisle but hang a flag there.
Take a listen and be in the know in 30(ish) minutes as we discuss how the 24-hour news media in general, 60 Minutes in particular, and social media algorithms have brought us to where we are today. To be fair, the media is not entirely to blame — so we talk politics and religion, too.
Wondering where to move to escape living like this? Forget Canada. Think Mauritius.
Street cred check: A gifted storyteller, Dr. Coleman is the author of “The Way Out: Overcoming Toxic Polarization,” and holds a joint appointment at Columbia University Teachers College and The Earth Institute. An expert on constructive conflict resolution and sustainable peace, Dr. Coleman directs the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution, is founding director of the Institute for Psychological Science and Practice and is co-executive director of Columbia University’s Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict, and Complexity.
Here’s to a happy Thanksgiving. We’re grateful for you.
