Anand Giridharadas, a journalist and best-selling author of The Persuaders, dives into the crisis of healthy debate in today’s polarized society. He emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue over manipulation, advocating for compassion in discussions. The conversation touches on the dual role of advertising in social issues, the importance of framing arguments for positive change, and the fluidity of political identity. Giridharadas also explores how local perspectives can bridge divides on contentious topics like immigration.
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insights INSIGHT
Despair and Change
Many people desire change and despair about its possibility.
Anand Giridharadas's book explores persuasion techniques for achieving change in a polarized world.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Persuasion vs. Manipulation
Persuasion differs from manipulation based on truth and benefit.
Manipulation uses lies and benefits only the manipulator, like cult leaders or demagogues.
insights INSIGHT
Musk and Tech Barons
Elon Musk embodies Twitter's problems, like bigotry and disinformation.
Tech barons, like Musk and Zuckerberg, are limited men with immense power.
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In 'Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World,' Anand Giridharadas argues that members of the global elite use their wealth and influence to address social issues in ways that do not fundamentally challenge the systems that perpetuate those issues. The book explores the dynamics between philanthropy, capitalism, and social change, highlighting how market-driven solutions often address symptoms rather than root causes. Giridharadas critiques the limitations of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility, suggesting that true social change requires robust, egalitarian institutions and democratic engagement rather than reliance on the benevolence of the wealthy.
The Persuaders
Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy
Anand Giridharadas
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Healthy disagreement used to be a sign of a well functioning society. But today, many democracies across the world are suffering a crisis of faith in the values of debate and a trend of refusing to engage with those who do not share the same views. Journalist, political analyst, and best-selling author Anand Giridharadas explores these ideas in his new book The Persuaders: Winning Hearts and Minds in a Divided Age. In this episode, in conversation with oceanographer and television presenter, Helen Czerski, he discusses how we've ended up here and the best ways to move forward.
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