Journalist Rafael Behr discusses the impact of social media on political discourse. Topics include failures in democracy, nationalism in British politics, and the difference between nationalism and patriotism. The speaker reflects on their heart attack experience and stresses the importance of staying engaged without getting enraged.
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Quick takeaways
The impact of social media on contemporary political discourse is contributing to the failures of democracy.
Managing anger and despair in the face of political events is crucial for maintaining rational thinking and engagement.
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Do you ever turn away from the news in despair? Do you scroll through social media and come away feeling angry, frustrated and fearful? Have you given up on the idea that a level of sanity might ever be restored to our politics? If so, acclaimed political commentator Rafael Behr's new book might be for you, Politics: A Survivor’s Guide: How to Stay Engaged without Getting Enraged. In conversation with fellow political journalist Jonathan Freedland, Behr discusses how social media is impacting contemporary political discourse and contributing to what he sees as the failures at the heart of our democracy.
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