How to Talk About Politics and Other Difficult Topics without Losing Your Friends or Selling Your Soul with Denise Gitsham
Dec 7, 2023
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Denise Gitsham, author and former federal government worker, discusses politics, polarization, and critical thinking with Dhru Purohit. They emphasize the importance of listening with curiosity, engaging with differing viewpoints, and seeking out the truth. They also explore the challenges of holding different perspectives, navigating politics and tribalism, and the benefits of polarization. They discuss the core idea of not getting offended by different opinions, and the concept of the third option for unity amidst division.
Engaging with people who have different opinions can help us grow, strengthen our arguments, and rise above tribalization and lack of civility.
Politics shapes our society, so it's important to be engaged without losing friendships or compromising values.
Civility is crucial in discussions; instead of shutting down opposing viewpoints, remain curious and ask questions to understand different perspectives.
Separating one's identity from beliefs, valuing relationships, and questioning everything helps in staying informed and engaged without becoming overly offended or triggered.
Deep dives
The Importance of Challenging Differences in Opinions
In this podcast episode, the importance of engaging with people who have different opinions is highlighted. The speaker emphasizes the need to challenge our own thinking and be open-minded to different perspectives, even if it may be tough to do so. By engaging in dialogue and being open to learning from others, we can grow and strengthen our own arguments. This approach is seen as a way to rise above the lack of civility and tribalization that exists in various aspects of society. The speaker also mentions the value of seeing the humanity and goodness in others, even when we disagree.
The Significance of Politics in Shaping Our Lives
The podcast delves into the importance of politics and its impact on our lives. The speaker highlights how various aspects of our world have become tribalized and politicized, leading to a loss of civility. While acknowledging that many people may feel a dislike for politics, the speaker asserts that politics shapes our society and emphasizes the need to be engaged without losing friendships or compromising personal values. The upcoming political season and the presence of independent candidates are described as opportunities for people to explore different viewpoints and engage in meaningful conversations.
The Challenge of Overcoming Polarization in Today's Society
Polarization and the tendency to be easily triggered by differing opinions are discussed in the episode. The speaker expresses concerns about the current state of polarization and the instinct to make someone who disagrees with us wrong or bad. The need for civility in discussions, as opposed to shutting down opposing viewpoints or engaging in cancel culture, is emphasized. The speaker shares personal experiences of engaging with individuals who hold different beliefs and highlights the importance of remaining curious and asking questions to better understand their perspectives.
Maintaining Individuality and Avoiding Offense
The conversation transitions into exploring the balance between staying informed and engaged in politics without becoming overly offended or triggered by opposing viewpoints. The importance of separating one's identity from their beliefs is stressed, as intertwining the two can result in perceiving disagreement as a personal attack. The need for grace and understanding in discussions, as well as the value of valuing relationships above one's attachment to beliefs, is highlighted. The speaker encourages individuals to be open to different perspectives and to question everything in their pursuit of truth and knowledge.
Seeking Diversity in Relationships
The speaker emphasizes the importance of intentionally seeking out relationships and friendships with people who have different backgrounds, perspectives, and beliefs. By exposing ourselves to diverse experiences, we can broaden our horizons, gain empathy, and develop a deeper understanding of others' experiences.
Understanding the Humanization Trap
The podcast highlights the danger of dehumanizing others based on political beliefs or affiliations. It stresses the need to view individuals as complex human beings with unique life experiences, rather than reducing them to mere political labels. The speaker emphasizes the importance of personalizing our interactions and recognizing that we all have reasons for our beliefs.
Moving Beyond Partisanship
The podcast discusses the need to transcend partisan politics and focus on the principles that unite us. It suggests that we should prioritize the well-being of the country and work towards common goals, rather than getting caught up in divisive party politics. By valuing compassion, understanding, and genuine dialogue, we can create a more unified and productive society.
Nowadays, discussions around politics and viewpoints have become increasingly divisive and hostile. Often, differing perspectives are immediately shut down or met with personal attacks, even when we know that progress and growth come from listening to other viewpoints and approaching topics with curiosity.
Today on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru sits down with his good friend and author Denise Gitsham to discuss politics, polarization, and critical thinking. Denise shares experiences and lessons she learned while working at the highest levels of the federal government and how those experiences helped her change her mindset. Dhru and Denise discuss the importance of listening with curiosity and engaging with people with differing viewpoints to seek out the truth. They also discuss how polarization has disrupted civility and what we can do to bring it back to our conversations even when we disagree.
Denise is the founder of Vitamin D Public Relations, a boutique communications firm that operates at the intersection of law, policy, politics, and the media. She has worked at the highest levels of the federal government, including the White House, the US Department of Justice, and the US Senate, and she's also run for Congress. A recovering attorney and long-time politico, Denise's passion is bridging division and fostering unity by emphasizing principles over partisanship. She recently released her first book, "Politics for People Who Hate Politics: How to Engage Without Losing Your Friends or Selling Your Soul."
In this episode, Dhru and Denise dive into (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):
Why it’s important to engage with people from different political views and backgrounds (5:10 / 5:10)
The true story about polarization (6:23 / 6:23)
The importance of skepticism and critical thinking in seeking the truth (19:17 / 16:53)
How opinions are more visible (29:52 / 27:10)
Why people are so triggered in day-to-day conversations (31:40 / 28:50)
How do you stay informed by staying curious (37:00 / 32:33 )
The importance of having multiple perspectives (39:45 / 36:00)
Yearning for unity (53:50 / 49:30)
Purposely engaging with people who have different viewpoints (57:43 / 53:15)
The Third Option and committing to what is in the best interest of us (1:13:48 / 1:09:36)
Bringing humanity back into the conversation (1:28:34 / 1:24:20)
