Forum From the Archives: john a. powell on Polarization and 'The Power of Bridging'
Jan 17, 2025
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In this insightful conversation, john a. powell, Director of UC Berkeley's Othering and Belonging Institute, dives deep into the themes of polarization and bridging divides. He discusses the concepts of othering and belonging, emphasizing their complex interplay in society. Powell shares the importance of empathetic listening and understanding our shared humanity, particularly in challenging political climates. He also addresses how feelings of inadequacy fuel belittling in discourse and the transformative power of agency in fostering connections across differences.
The concept of othering illustrates how societal constructs can alienate individuals, emphasizing the necessity for inclusivity and mutual respect for belonging.
Bridging requires empathy and storytelling to navigate the complex interplay between belonging and othering, fostering deeper connections across diverse identities.
Deep dives
Understanding Othering and Belonging
Othering is defined as the process by which individuals or groups are treated as different, often leading to a perception of inferiority or exclusion. This phenomenon ranges from minor slights to extreme actions like genocide, as it stems from societal constructs rather than natural distinctions. In contrast, belonging is a fundamental human need that emphasizes mutual respect and inclusion, highlighted by Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The importance of belonging cannot be understated, as it directly impacts personal safety, well-being, and social coherence.
The Complexity of Bridging
Bridging is presented as an essential act of empathy and connection that allows individuals to understand and appreciate different perspectives. However, there is a critical tension where the instinct to belong can lead to the othering of others, as people may feel the need to distance themselves from those they perceive as different. This complexity suggests that bridging is not merely about finding common ground, but also involves negotiating the inherent challenges of belonging versus othering. Success in bridging requires the recognition that both belonging and othering can coexist in intricate ways.
The Role of Storytelling in Navigating Change
In the context of rapid societal changes, storytelling emerges as a vital tool for making sense of the evolving landscape. Individuals often look for narratives that provide explanations and contexts for their feelings and experiences, especially when facing discomfort due to changes in demographics or technology. As old stories become ineffective, there is a need for new, bridging stories that encourage curiosity and openness towards others. This approach counters the tendency to blame 'the other' for personal discomfort and fosters a shared understanding of humanity.
Acknowledgment of Multiple Identities
The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging multiple identities in the context of othering, stating that individuals should not be reduced to singular labels. For instance, while race is a significant factor in the U.S., other dimensions such as religion, culture, and social class also play crucial roles in how people relate to each other. Recognizing the rich tapestry of identities individuals hold can facilitate more meaningful connections and alleviate feelings of isolation. Ultimately, fostering a sense of belonging is about ensuring that everyone’s story is valued and integrated into the larger narrative.
On Monday we will, once again, inaugurate Donald Trump as president and, once again, it will come as the country is bitterly divided and often deeply confounded by people with opposing political views. We at Forum thought this would be a perfect time to listen back to our interview with john a. powell. He’s director of UC Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute and his work focuses on communicating, and understanding each other’s humanity, across divides. We talked to him about his institute’s work and his new book “The Power of Bridging.”
Guests:
john a. powell, director, UC Berkeley's Othering and Belonging Institute; professor of Law, African American and Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley