john a. powell on Polarization and 'The Power of Bridging'
Nov 26, 2024
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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.
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.
The Complexity of Othering for Belonging
The relationship between othering and belonging is intricate, as people often engage in othering to assert their own sense of belonging. This notion suggests that some individuals may feel compelled to categorize others as 'not belonging' in order to solidify their place within their group. However, bridging different identities and perspectives can allow for an inclusive space that fosters connection rather than division. Embracing complexity rather than binary thinking supports the idea that it is possible to belong without the need to other.
The Role of Storytelling in Meaning-Making
As change accelerates, individuals often seek meaning in their experiences through storytelling, which provides a framework for understanding rapidly evolving societal contexts. Bridging stories cultivate curiosity and open dialogue, contrasting with breaking stories that assign blame to 'others' for discomfort or fear. This need for new narratives highlights the importance of empathetic communication, especially during politically charged times. Engaging with others through shared experiences and emotions can lead to deeper understanding and connection.
Navigating the Challenges of Bridging
Bridging across differing viewpoints presents challenges, particularly when there are safety concerns or deep-seated beliefs involved. While it is essential to create opportunities for dialogue, individuals must also recognize when circumstances are not conducive to bridging. Establishing 'guardrails' for interaction ensures safety while fostering discussions that can lead to understanding and empathy. Ultimately, bridging is about maintaining respect for one another's experiences and identities rather than diminishing one's own beliefs.
After the divisive 2016 presidential election, many families cut short Thanksgiving plans with their relatives of different political persuasions, according to a 2018 study. The result, writes law professor and civil rights advocate john a. powell, was that American families spent millions of fewer hours connecting and reflecting with each other. As director of UC Berkeley’s Othering & Belonging Institute, powell thinks a lot about divisions in our society and how to bridge them. We talk to powell, author of the new book “The Power of Bridging” about how he thinks we should approach a second Trump administration…and the upcoming holiday season.
Guests:
john a. powell, director, UC Berkeley's Othering and Belonging Institute; professor of law, African American and ethnic studies at UC Berkeley