If you think about the far right in this country, which is now the right, if you think about what it wants on paper, the kind of program it's committed to, it is as exclusionary as kind of any major movement we've seen in our lifetime. And if you look at the left, broadly speaking, by contrast, I would argue, without exaggeration, I think the most inclusive program offered in the history of human content. The left reads to many people as being a club that's hard to join. You got to know the right terms, you got to say the right things and do your education on your own time, and then come in, right?
In a democracy, meaningful change often requires adapting views and building coalitions. Some believe finding common ground and building rapport is the best way to change minds. Others believe activism and protests are key to raising awareness. Increasingly, however, the acts of listening and persuasion are left out, as each side is convinced that the other is unmovable.
Anand Giridharadas is a journalist, columnist, on-air political analyst, and author. His latest book, The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy, explores how the tactics of persuasion can help strengthen democracy and foster positive societal change.
Guests:
Anand Giridharadas, Journalist, Author, The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy
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