How to lead a conversation between people who disagree | Eve Pearlman

Summary

In response to the rising polarization in American society after the 2016 election, journalists Leslie Gauthier and Jeremy Hay introduced 'dialogue journalism' to foster genuine conversations between opposing viewpoints. By organizing structured dialogues, they encouraged participants from diverse backgrounds, such as Trump supporters from Alabama and Clinton supporters from California, to challenge stereotypes and engage with curiosity. Their approach focuses on empathy, community, and respectful communication, demonstrating that constructive dialogue can bridge divides and promote understanding. The project has shown promising results, with many participants forming lasting connections across political lines, highlighting the importance of dialogue for a healthy democracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The rise in polarization and negativity in public discourse has prompted journalists to rethink their approach to storytelling.
• 🤝 Dialogue journalism focuses on fostering genuine conversations between people with opposing views, rather than deepening divides.
• 📅 The project began in the aftermath of the 2016 election, aiming to bridge the gap between Trump supporters in Alabama and Clinton supporters in California.
• 🗣️ Participants were invited to engage with curiosity and openness in a moderated online environment, allowing for respectful exchanges.
• 🔍 The process involves careful vetting of information, diligent research, and a commitment to serving the public good.
• 🤔 By addressing stereotypes about each other, participants began to recognize the simplistic narratives they held.
• 🌱 Over time, dialogues led to increased empathy, understanding, and even lasting friendships across political lines.
• 🎙️ Journalists play a crucial role in facilitating these conversations by promoting transparency and encouraging respectful dialogue.
• 🚫 Name-calling and insults hinder communication; effective dialogue requires self-awareness and genuine effort.
• 🌍 The initiative underscores the need for real human connection as a remedy for societal divides and as essential to a healthy democracy.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker and Jeremy Hay to explore dialogue journalism?

The speaker and Jeremy Hay were motivated by the increasing polarization and hostility in public discourse leading up to the 2016 election. They sought to practice journalism in a way that encouraged understanding and connection between people with opposing views.

What is the main goal of dialogue journalism as described in the transcript?

The main goal of dialogue journalism is to foster genuine conversations between individuals on opposite sides of contentious issues, helping them to understand each other's perspectives and build relationships.

How did the speaker implement the dialogue journalism approach after the 2016 election?

After the election, the speaker partnered with the Alabama Media Group to facilitate conversations between 25 Trump supporters from Alabama and 25 Clinton supporters from California in a closed, moderated Facebook group for a month.

What was one of the initial activities conducted to encourage dialogue among participants?

One initial activity involved asking participants what they thought the other side believed about them, which revealed the stereotypes and misconceptions they held.

What stereotypes did the Trump supporters from Alabama express about the Clinton supporters from California?

Trump supporters from Alabama described Clinton supporters as viewing them as religious, uneducated, racist, and hickish, often portraying them in a negative and caricatured manner.

How did the California Clinton supporters perceive the Alabama Trump supporters?

The California Clinton supporters characterized Alabama Trump supporters as crazy, unpatriotic, elitist, and focused on career rather than family, reflecting their own stereotypes.

What changes did participants experience throughout the dialogue process?

Participants gradually shifted from anger and stereotype-based assumptions to introducing themselves, sharing their backgrounds, and engaging with more empathy, nuance, and curiosity.

What are some key principles that guide the dialogue journalism process?

Key principles include transparency about methods and motives, promoting respectful communication, and encouraging participants to listen deeply and engage without resorting to name-calling or insults.

What lasting impacts did the dialogue project have on participants?

Many participants formed lasting friendships across political lines, with some creating their own Facebook group to continue discussing challenging issues and maintaining connections.

What does the speaker suggest is necessary for healing societal divides?

The speaker suggests that genuine human connection, characterized by curiosity and respectful dialogue, is essential for addressing societal divides and fostering a healthier democracy.