Bridging: Towards A Society Built on Belonging

Summary

The script explores the profound impact of identity on politics and power during a time of rapid change across globalization, technology, the environment, and demographics. It discusses how anxiety, a natural reaction to such changes, can either lead to division or unity. The 'breaking' response fosters fear and isolation, perpetuating oppressive systems, while the 'bridging' response promotes inclusivity and healthy dialogue. By embracing our shared humanity, we can transform anxiety into an opportunity for personal and societal growth, creating a future rooted in belonging and collective identity.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The forces shaping politics and power include our identity and perceptions of change.
• ⚡ We are experiencing accelerated change in globalization, technology, the environment, and demographics.
• 😟 Rapid change can lead to anxiety, a normal biological reaction to uncertainty.
• 📖 Our responses to anxiety are influenced by stories from leadership and culture.
• 💔 Responses to change can be seen as threats (breaking) or opportunities (bridging).
• 🚧 Breaking fosters fear, isolation, and divisive narratives like 'us vs. them.'
• ⚖️ Breaking can lead to racism and oppressive systems, threatening democracy and humanity.
• 🤝 Bridging promotes inclusivity and a sense of shared identity, seeing diversity as positive.
• 🗣️ Bridging encourages healthy dialogue and deep listening without abandoning personal identity.
• 🌱 Bridging opens us up to personal change and the creation of a society based on belonging.

Q & A

What are the four areas of accelerated change mentioned in the transcript?

The four areas of accelerated change are globalization, technology, the environment, and demographic change.

How does the transcript describe the relationship between change and anxiety?

The transcript explains that we can only process so much change in a short period without experiencing anxiety, which is a normal biological reaction.

What role do stories play in shaping our response to change?

Stories presented by leadership and through culture shape our responses to change by speaking to our deepest values and core beliefs, often operating at a subconscious level.

What are the two responses to change described in the transcript?

The two responses to change are 'breaking' and 'bridging.'

What does the response of 'breaking' lead to?

The 'breaking' response can create fear of other groups, perpetuate isolation, harden racism, and drive politics toward anti-democratic and inhumane practices.

How does the 'bridging' response differ from 'breaking'?

The 'bridging' response encourages seeing demographic change and diverse identities as positive and calls for healthy dialogue, aiming for a more inclusive sense of 'we.'

What does 'bridging' require from individuals?

Bridging requires individuals to engage in healthy dialogue, listen deeply, and acknowledge shared humanity.

Does 'bridging' require abandoning one's identity?

No, bridging does not mean abandoning one's identity; it means acknowledging shared humanity while retaining one's unique identity.

What is the potential outcome of successfully 'bridging' according to the transcript?

Successfully 'bridging' can lead to a society built on belonging and open individuals to change within themselves.

What does the term 'new us' signify in the context of the transcript?

The 'new us' signifies a future where there is no division of 'them' and 'us,' but rather a collective identity that embraces diversity.