Baratunde Thurston On Social Media Perils, Institutional Distrust & Why Empathy Is The Solution To Our Political Divide
Aug 7, 2023
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Baratunde Thurston, an Emmy-nominated writer, comedian, and cultural critic, dives into the perils of social media and its impact on democracy. He discusses the erosion of trust in institutions and the importance of diverse representation in media. Thurston emphasizes empathy as a solution to political divides and explores the intersection of personal identity and systemic challenges. The conversation highlights the need for grassroots activism and the role of outdoor experiences in bridging divides, all while calling for deeper, authentic connections in a digital age.
Creating a culture of democracy involves investing in relationships, understanding power dynamics, valuing the collective, and practicing democracy in our own households and relationships.
Citizens Assemblies offer a compelling model for meaningful democratic participation, allowing for nuanced discussions and collaborative decision-making.
True community is built on peer-to-peer connections and self-organization, fostering a sense of belonging and enabling individuals to work towards common goals.
Meaningful change and fostering a culture of democracy require simultaneously addressing grassroots efforts and systemic issues, recognizing that change happens on a spectrum.
Deep dives
Promoting a Culture of Democracy
Creating a culture of democracy involves expanding our understanding of practicing democracy beyond voting and shopping. It requires investing in relationships, understanding power dynamics, valuing the collective, and practicing democracy in our own households and relationships. By fostering a sense of belonging and collective responsibility, we can create a culture that embraces diverse perspectives and nurtures democratic values. This grassroots approach can gradually lead to the transformation of systemic issues and the fostering of a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
The Power of Citizens Assemblies
Citizens Assemblies offer a compelling model for meaningful democratic participation. These deliberative bodies bring together diverse representatives who spend time understanding issues, listening to experts, engaging in respectful debate, and deliberating on policy proposals. By providing a platform for civic engagement beyond traditional electoral politics, citizens assemblies allow for nuanced discussions and collaborative decision-making. This approach allows for a broader base of support and encourages the inclusion of voices that are often marginalized in the current system.
Redefining Community
Community should not be reduced to an audience or customer base. True community is built on peer-to-peer connections and self-organization. It involves members seeing and acknowledging each other, fostering a sense of belonging and agency. Online platforms can facilitate limited forms of community, but truly robust community requires members to connect and engage with each other in meaningful ways, beyond serving a central authority or individual. Building real community means enabling individuals to come together, self-organize, and work towards common goals.
Shifting Perspectives and Embracing Complexity
Creating meaningful change and fostering a culture of democracy require shifting perspectives and embracing complexity. Often, we are trapped in binary thinking, which hinders progress. Recognizing that change happens on a spectrum, we can work simultaneously at the grassroots and systemic levels. Grassroots efforts involve investing in relationships, practicing democracy, and creating change within our immediate communities. At the systemic level, it's crucial to address issues such as campaign finance, lobbying, and the erosion of trust in institutions. By engaging with both levels and continuously striving for progress, we can work towards building a more inclusive and democratic society.
Principles for Engaging as a Citizen
The podcast episode emphasizes the four key principles of being an engaged citizen. These principles include showing up and participating, investing in relationships, understanding power, and valuing the collective.
Getting More Informed
The episode encourages listeners to get more informed by reading books, watching documentaries, and talking to others. It highlights the importance of understanding the history of one's community and taking action locally.
Taking Public Participation
The episode promotes public participation as a way to make a difference. It suggests joining or starting a group, volunteering, and engaging with one's community to address important issues.
Encouraging Self-Care and Rest
Throughout the podcast, the importance of self-care, rest, and finding a balance between activism and personal well-being is emphasized. The episode encourages listeners to take care of themselves and celebrate the journey, not just the end results.
Today's podcast guest is Baratunde Thurston—an Emmy-nominated writer, comedian, and cultural critic focused on the intersection of tech, democracy, climate change, and race in America.
A generational voice in the media landscape, Baratunde is a former executive at The Onion, a writer for Puck News, the New York Times bestselling author of How To Be Black, and the host of both America Outdoors on PBS, and the podcast How To Citizen.
Today we cover everything from the impact of technology and social media on society to the current perils of our democratic system. We also discuss the need for diversity and representation in media, the importance of community and belonging, nuanced conversation, and responsible media practices. We also address the rapid evolution of our media landscape and our declining trust in institutions across the country, what it means to be black in America, and how we can all become more active and informed citizens.
I’ve been a fan of Baratunde and his work for many years. He is a witty and masterful storyteller and someone I respect for fearlessly confronting difficult problems with actionable solutions, enthusiasm, and consensus building.
