144. (S8E28) Critically Thinking about the News Pt. 2 with Mosheh Oinounou
Aug 24, 2022
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Journalist Mosheh Oinounou discusses coming together despite division, handling differences of opinion, and political polarization. They explore the nuances of abortion legislation and recent developments in protecting abortion rights. Brave Writer offers online classes and book clubs for transitioning into the school year. The impact of US involvement on Afghanistan and the role of the Taliban are discussed, along with providing context and history to world events through respectful discussions.
Promote problem-solving skills by including diverse perspectives rather than creating opposing sides for debates.
Foster open-minded dialogue by seeking to understand others' perspectives through asking 'why' and 'how' questions.
Deep dives
Promoting Inclusive Problem Solving in Education
In this episode, the speaker discusses the importance of including diverse perspectives when teaching problem-solving skills. The traditional approach of dividing students into opposing sides for debates is counterproductive as it reinforces preexisting beliefs. The speaker advocates for a different model where students with diverse experiences related to the topic at hand come together to share their insights and develop a comprehensive understanding of the issues. This approach encourages problem-solving rather than focusing on winning debates. By surfacing different relationships to the subject matter, students can address the multifaceted nature of complex issues and work towards inclusive solutions.
Embracing Nuanced Discussions on Social Issues
The podcast explores the importance of fostering open-minded and respectful dialogue when engaging with differing opinions on social issues. It highlights the need to go beyond shouting matches and instead ask important questions like 'why' and 'how' to understand the perspectives of others. By seeking to comprehend the underlying beliefs and experiences that shape these opinions, individuals can find common ground and build bridges of understanding. The speaker emphasizes the power of personal experiences and storytelling in journalism to provide depth and nuance in conversations about complex topics like war, religion, and political decisions.
Navigating the Challenges of Social Media
The episode delves into the challenges and potential of social media in promoting meaningful discussions. The speaker acknowledges the negative aspects of social media but also highlights its ability to connect people from different backgrounds, fostering dialogue and disseminating information. Social media platforms can provide a safe space for respectful conversations and diverse perspectives if utilized responsibly. The speaker emphasizes the importance of utilizing critical thinking skills and verifying information to combat misinformation and manipulate narratives. By approaching social media with an open mind, empathy, and a commitment to truth, users can contribute to positive discourse and shape a healthier online environment.
Encouraging Civic Engagement and Representation
The episode discusses the significance of civic engagement and representation in a democratic society. It emphasizes the power of individual voices and the ability to impact political decisions by actively participating in the democratic process. The speaker highlights the role of representative government and encourages people to communicate with their elected officials, sharing personal experiences and knowledge that can shape policy decisions. While acknowledging the challenges and limitations of the political system, the importance of understanding the reasons behind politicians' decisions and fostering respectful dialogue to bring about change is underscored. The episode concludes with a call to appreciate the value of democracy and the privilege of having a voice that matters.
We’re continuing our conversation with Mosheh Oinounou, a journalist who breaks down daily headlines of the biggest, most relevant news stories on his Instagram. He also publishes a newsletter that aims to share real, verified news sources and hosts a daily news podcast as part of his Mo News Network. We discuss how to come together despite our division, how to handle differences of opinion within our communities, and what to do about our political polarization.
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