Tired of polarization? Time to detox

7 snips

Nov 5, 2024

In a thought-provoking conversation, Peter T. Coleman, a Columbia University professor and author of The Way Out, dives into the roots of political polarization and offers hope for healing. He highlights the essential role of empathy and compassion in bridging divides and discusses his initiative, the Polarization Detox Challenge, designed to strengthen these skills. Coleman also critiques the media's harmful influence on division and advocates for a shift towards constructive storytelling that fosters mutual understanding. It's a call to action for individuals and communities alike.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

Bridging Political Divides

03:49 • 6min

Media's Role in Fostering Polarization

09:48 • 4min

Reframing Narratives for Peace

13:56 • 17min

Appreciation and Community Engagement in Peace Initiatives

31:01 • 2min

If you’re listening to this podcast, you’re probably concerned by the level of polarization we’re seeing in societies around the world.

We can point fingers at social media, the news media, political parties, fear mongering leaders, poor education, broken political systems… the list is long. The divides can seem so vast, the problems so huge. It’s easy to retreat into a huddle with people who see the world the same way you do.

But our guest for this episode, Columbia University psychology and education professor and author Peter T. Coleman, says there are things each of us can do to help heal these societal wounds. And he says the press and media can play an important role in decreasing polarization.

That's the subject of his latest book, The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization. Coleman outlines evidence-based practices that you can do on your own- or with a group- to help recalibrate assumptions, and re-create bonds with people you disagree with.

Coleman also partnered with the organization Starts With Us to turn the lessons from the book into an online program, called The Polarization Detox Challenge. It's like an exercise routine, for strengthening your compassion muscles. The book is focused on the United States, but the exercises can be done anywhere.

This episode originally published in January 2023.

Follow Peter T. Coleman on X: @PeterTColeman1

Making Peace Visible is hosted by Jamil Simon and produced by Andrea Muraskin. We had help on this episode from Faith McClure.

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Bill Vortex

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