Consider This from NPR In A Divided America, Can The January 6 Hearing Change Hearts And Minds?
Jul 16, 2022
Didi Kuo, an expert on political polarization from Stanford, delves into the January 6 hearings that exposed the Capitol attack's intricacies. She discusses Stephen Ayers, a former Trump supporter who shifted his stance after reflecting on misinformation. Kuo highlights how the hearings might bridge the stark divisions in American society while emphasizing the role of social media in shaping beliefs. The conversation also tackles the long-standing roots of political polarization and the essential dialogue needed to foster national unity.
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Stephen Ayers' Testimony
- Stephen Ayers, a Trump supporter, stormed the Capitol on January 6th.
- After his arrest, he reevaluated the election and admitted to believing a lie.
Political Identity
- Political beliefs can deeply intertwine with personal identity, making it hard to change views.
- Breaking with a party can feel like losing oneself, triggering anger and defensiveness.
Shifting Focus on Democracy
- Didi Kuo initially focused on democratization in other countries, assuming the U.S. was stable.
- The rise of Trump and the global right shifted scholarly focus towards American democracy's fragility.