KQED's Forum
john a. powell on Polarization and 'The Power of Bridging'
Nov 26, 2024
Join john a. powell, Director of UC Berkeley’s Othering & Belonging Institute, as he delves into societal divisions and the pressing need for connection. He discusses the concept of 'othering' and how it contrasts with our innate desire for belonging. Navigating political polarization, powell emphasizes the power of empathetic listening over debate. He advocates for storytelling as a bridge to understanding diverse perspectives, highlighting shared humanity as a means to foster genuine connections—even during heated political times.
57:45
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Quick takeaways
- Exploring the concept of othering highlights how societal norms create divisions that undermine the essential human need for belonging.
- Emphasizing the importance of empathetic storytelling can foster curiosity and open dialogues, creating inclusive spaces for understanding across differences.
Deep dives
Defining Othering and Belonging
Othering is defined as the lack of mutual respect, where one group perceives another as inferior or undeserving, varying from mild social exclusion to extreme actions like genocide. This sociological phenomenon is not a natural occurrence but a behavior constructed by societal norms and hierarchies. In contrast, belonging is described as an essential human need, critical for safety and social interaction, underscoring its priority in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Understanding that we are born predisposed to belonging emphasizes its importance in personal well-being and societal functionality.
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