A Comedian’s Take on How to Save Democracy | Jordan Klepper | TED

Summary

The speaker humorously addresses the challenges of maintaining democratic dialogue in an era of shortened attention spans and social media's impact on public discourse. They emphasize the importance of open conversations, even with those who hold opposing views, and suggest that embracing vulnerability and the admission of 'not knowing' can lead to more productive discussions and a healthier democracy.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The speaker expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of democracy due to the wide range of uninformed opinions.
• 🌐 The ability to have civil conversations has declined globally, with screens and partisanship creating barriers in communication.
• 📖 To improve dialogue, the speaker suggests reading books to gain insight into different perspectives and expand attention spans beyond social media.
• 🌍 Traveling can help reduce bias by providing firsthand experiences and understanding of different cultures and viewpoints.
• 🤝 Concession is crucial for civil discourse; it involves acknowledging the validity of others' opinions and the value of compromise.
• 💡 The speaker humorously points out the importance of admitting ignorance, suggesting it can be liberating and a step towards better conversations.
• 🤔 The fear of admitting failure or not knowing can hinder progress, but embracing vulnerability can be a strength in democratic societies.
• 🏆 The culture of vulnerability and the acceptance of being wrong are proposed as necessary for the survival of American democracy.
• 😅 Even charismatic individuals can be full of misinformation, highlighting the need for humility and fact-checking in conversations.
• 🚫 The current state of political discourse is compared to a sport, where every conversation feels like a competition rather than a dialogue.
• 🌟 The speaker ends with a call to action, suggesting that in the game of democracy, sometimes starting with a loss (concession) can lead to overall victory.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial reaction to being asked to participate in the pro-democracy event?

The speaker was initially flattered but then expressed skepticism, questioning whether giving everyone a voice, including those with misconceptions, was a good idea for such an event.

What does the speaker suggest is a major factor in the decline of effective conversation?

The speaker suggests that screens and social media have created a barrier in communication, promoting short, loud outbursts rather than in-depth discussions.

How does the speaker describe the current state of political conversations?

The speaker describes political conversations as being akin to a sport, with people on the defensive and viewing every discussion as a negotiation over field position.

What is the significance of the speaker mentioning 'one in 10 Americans believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows'?

This statement highlights the speaker's concern about the level of misinformation and the potential for including uninformed opinions in important decisions, such as foreign policy.

What are the three tips the speaker gives for having better conversations with someone you disagree with?

The three tips are: 1) Read a book to understand different perspectives, 2) Travel to gain firsthand experience of other cultures and reduce biases, and 3) Concede something, acknowledging that you might not be as right as you think.

Why does the speaker mention the shortening duration of TED Talks?

The speaker uses the shortening of TED Talks as an example of how our attention spans are decreasing and how complex topics are being oversimplified to fit into shorter timeframes.

What does the speaker compare American democracy to in terms of its current state?

The speaker compares American democracy to a marriage in its couple's counseling phase, indicating that the country is in a difficult period of trying to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings.

How does the speaker propose to improve the quality of discourse in democracy?

The speaker suggests that improving the quality of discourse in democracy requires creating a culture of vulnerability where people are open to admitting their failures and uncertainties, which can lead to more constructive conversations.

What is the significance of the speaker's mention of 'I don't know'?

The phrase 'I don't know' is presented as a way to soften conversations and create space for growth and understanding, as it acknowledges personal limitations and opens up the possibility for learning from others.

What does the speaker suggest is the impact of the entertainment machine on politics and discourse?

The speaker suggests that the entertainment machine propagates misinformation and biases, which negatively affects politics and discourse by promoting superficial and sensationalized interactions rather than meaningful discussions.

Why does the speaker say that being wrong is sexy and that failure is an aphrodisiac?

The speaker is using humor to emphasize that acknowledging one's mistakes and failures can be attractive because it shows humility and a willingness to learn, which are desirable traits in a mature and open-minded individual.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Skepticism on Democracy and Communication

The speaker begins by expressing skepticism about the concept of democracy, questioning the idea of giving everyone a voice, especially when considering the ignorance of some individuals on basic facts. They highlight the challenges of having conversations in the modern world, where screens and partisanship have created barriers. The speaker reminisces about the past when communication and negotiation came more naturally to humans and suggests that the current state of conversation, dominated by social media and short, loud outbursts, is detrimental to meaningful discourse. They also touch on the缩短 of TED Talks as a reflection of this issue.

05:01

🤝 Tips for Better Conversations and Democracy

The speaker acknowledges the importance of conversation and compromise in a democracy and offers tips for improving communication with those we disagree with. They suggest reading books to gain insight into different perspectives, traveling to reduce biases, and conceding or admitting uncertainty as a way to foster understanding and progress. The speaker humorously notes the difficulty of conceding in American culture but emphasizes that vulnerability and the admission of not knowing can be a powerful tool in conversations and for the survival of democracy.

Keywords

💡Democracy

Democracy refers to a system of government where power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. In the context of the video, the speaker expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of democracy when the populace may lack accurate information or understanding, as exemplified by the mention of the belief that chocolate milk comes from brown cows. The speaker suggests that for democracy to function well, it requires informed and engaged citizens capable of civil discourse.

💡Conversation

A conversation is an interactive exchange of thoughts, ideas, and information between two or more people. The video emphasizes the importance of conversation in a democratic society but also points out the current difficulty in having meaningful conversations due to various societal factors like screens and partisanship. The speaker suggests that the art of conversation has been lost and needs to be revived for the betterment of democracy.

💡Partisanship

Partisanship refers to a strong, often blind, support for a particular political party or ideology. In the video, the speaker argues that partisanship has contributed to the polarization of viewpoints, making it difficult for individuals to engage in open and civil conversations with those who hold different opinions. This has led to an environment where people are afraid to engage in discussions that may challenge their preconceived beliefs.

💡Social Media

Social media refers to web-based platforms that allow individuals to create and share content or participate in social networking. The video identifies social media as a factor that has influenced the cultural conversations, promoting short, loud outbursts rather than thoughtful and extended discourse. The speaker suggests that social media has contributed to the erosion of meaningful conversation and the spread of misinformation.

💡Bias

Bias refers to a tendency to favor certain information or viewpoints while ignoring or undervaluing others. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses the role of bias in conversations and how it can be reduced by exposure to different perspectives, such as through reading books or traveling. The speaker argues that recognizing and addressing one's own biases is crucial for having more productive and empathetic conversations.

💡Concession

Concession refers to the act of admitting that one's viewpoint may not be entirely correct or complete, often as a way to reach a compromise or agreement. In the video, the speaker highlights the importance of concession in democratic discourse, suggesting that it is a necessary part of having civil conversations and finding common ground. The speaker argues that being willing to concede can help to break down barriers and foster more open and honest communication.

💡Vulnerability

Vulnerability refers to the state of being open to attack or harm but also to the willingness to reveal one's weaknesses or emotions. In the video, the speaker argues that a culture of vulnerability is necessary for the survival of American democracy, suggesting that being open about one's uncertainties and failures can lead to more authentic and productive conversations. The speaker posits that vulnerability can be a strength and that it can create space for growth and understanding.

💡Uncertainty

Uncertainty refers to a state of being unsure or lacking definite knowledge about something. In the context of the video, the speaker encourages embracing uncertainty as a way to foster more open and honest conversations. By acknowledging that one does not have all the answers, individuals can create space for dialogue and the possibility of learning from others. The speaker suggests that admitting uncertainty can be a step towards progress and understanding.

💡Misinformation

Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally or deliberately. In the video, the speaker criticizes the role of social media and the entertainment machine in propagating misinformation, which hinders the ability of people to have informed and civil conversations. The speaker argues that addressing and eliminating misinformation is crucial for improving the quality of discourse and the health of democracy.

💡Civil Conversations

Civil conversations are discussions between individuals that are characterized by礼貌, respect, and a willingness to listen to and consider the viewpoints of others, even when in disagreement. The video emphasizes the importance of civil conversations for the functioning of democracy and the challenges currently faced in achieving such discourse. The speaker provides tips on how to engage in better conversations, including reading books, traveling, and being willing to concede.

💡Gamesmanship

Gamesmanship refers to the tactics or strategies used to gain an advantage in a game or competition, often through psychological means. In the video, the speaker humorously employs the term to describe the act of using vulnerability and humility as a strategic move in conversations to gain the upper hand. The speaker suggests that by showing vulnerability, one can disarm opponents and potentially lead to more productive discussions.

Highlights

The speaker was initially skeptical about a pro-democracy event due to the challenges of having a productive conversation in today's society.

One in 10 Americans believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows, highlighting the absurdity of uneducated opinions influencing policy.

Democracy is based on hearing from the voice of the people, but the speaker expresses doubt in our current ability to have meaningful conversations.

The speaker notes a historical shift in our ability to communicate effectively, with screens and partisanship creating barriers in our discourse.

The format of social media platforms encourages short, loud outbursts rather than thoughtful, extended discussions.

TED Talks, which used to be 18 minutes long, now often last only seven minutes, reflecting the decreasing attention span in society.

The speaker humorously suggests that in the future, TED Talks might just be T's GIFs, indicating the trend towards brevity and visual communication.

To improve our conversations, the speaker suggests destroying the bias of social media and the misinformation propagated by the entertainment machine.

The speaker offers three tips for better communication with someone you disagree with: read a book, travel, and concede something.

Reading a book allows you to get inside the head of someone else and expand your attention beyond short social media posts.

Traveling helps reduce bias by exposing you to different cultures and experiences, even if it doesn't change your overall opinion of a place.

Conceding something in a conversation is crucial to finding common ground and is derived from the Latin 'consensus', meaning agreement.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our own fallibility and the value of vulnerability in conversations.

In politics, treating every conversation like a negotiation or sport leads to defensiveness and a reluctance to admit uncertainty.

The speaker compares American democracy to a marriage in couples' counseling, highlighting the need for mutual understanding and compromise.

Accepting our imperfections and admitting what we don't know can be liberating and is essential for progress in a democratic society.

The speaker concludes by suggesting that vulnerability and the admission of being wrong can be a strategic approach in the game of democracy.

In the context of American democracy, the speaker posits that to win, we may have to start with a loss, embracing humility and failure as a first step.

Transcripts

When TED asked me to be a part of this democracy event,

I was flattered.

When they told me it was a pro-democracy event,

I paused.

Like, really?

We still think this is a good idea?

Giving everyone a voice?

Have you talked to everyone?

One in 10 Americans believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows.

We want those people weighing in on foreign policy.

Because if democracy is hearing from the voice of the people,

consider me skeptical of that conversation.

Because I think we're incapable of having it.

Any conversation.

And not just in America, globally, we're tuning people out.

Frankly, we're bad at talking to other people.

Didn't always used to be this way.

In the old days, it came naturally.

We would talk to folks, we would negotiate over food or child care.

So your kid didn't get eaten by a bear

or run off and invent fire.

But since then, it's gotten harder, more difficult.

Screens have placed an impediment between people and thought.

Partisanship has made talking to someone outside of your own POV traumatic.

Now, talking to somebody with a different point of view than yourself

is to be avoided at all costs.

It's like paying taxes.

Like, you should do it,

but if you can avoid it, makes you smart.

(Laughter)

It's an awful time for conversations,

so much so that even right now I've opted for a lecture.

(Laughter)

I won't be taking questions.

(Laughter)

I find it easier to speak at you.

(Laughter)

So how did we get here?

Well, as someone in their 40s,

I'm legally obligated to point the finger at social media.

The cultural conversations we have

are dictated by the forums we have them in.

And all those forums,

they just push us towards short, loud outbursts.

Maximum volume, short duration.

Now, even right now, this TED Talk is only seven minutes.

I remember when TED Talks used to be 18 minutes long.

(Laughter)

Now you have to communicate

the economics behind climate catastrophe

in the time it takes for a potty break.

Not great guys, not great.

(Laughter)

I remember the good old days

when TED Talks used to be “Theodore Discussions.”

You know, a year from now, they're just going to be T's GIFs.

(Laughter)

So how do we get better

at talking to one another?

If democracy depends on discourse, on compromise,

how do we have civil conversations?

Well ...

The long answer is destroy the bias of social media

and the cesspool of misinformation

that is propagated by the entertainment machine

that dominates our politics and discourse.

I could tell you how to do that,

but TED only gave me seven minutes, so sorry.

Maybe next time, it would have cleared everything up.

But in the four minutes,

wow, the four minutes we have left,

I'll give you a few tips of what you can do now.

So, three tips for how to be slightly better at talking to a human

you disagree with.

One, read a book.

Easy.

You know, you're not as smart as you think you are,

get inside the head of someone else.

And make it a long book.

We need to expand our attention beyond just TikToks.

Two, travel.

Mark Twain said it best.

You know, bias is reduced by travel.

It's the easiest way.

As a kid who grew up in Michigan,

I hated Ohio.

And then I traveled there, and you know what?

I still hate Ohio.

But now I know what Akron smells like.

So I guess, progress, I think?

And three, concede something.

That's a biggie.

Concession.

You have to give something up.

You're not as smart as you think you are.

Concession is crucial to democracy.

To concede comes from the Latin “consensus,”

which means to find agreement.

And if you challenge me on that, I would concede.

(Laughter)

Because I totally made that up.

(Laughter)

That's how this thing works, you know?

Even upstanding, charismatic people like myself are full of shit.

(Laughter)

Like many of us, I find my desire to be seen as smart

outweighs my desire to shut up when I don't know what I'm talking about.

It's hard for Americans to shut up

when they don't know what they're talking about.

When you make politics a sport, then everything becomes win or lose,

every conversation becomes a negotiation over field position.

Our guards are up.

We're defensive, we're afraid of getting punched in the face.

We think our strongest weapon is our certainty.

But the most relatable thing about us is our failure.

Has no one here been to therapy?

It's all there.

And democracy in a bipartisan country

is like a marriage.

And in America,

we are at the couple's counseling phase.

America, you've made some mistakes.

Republicans, maybe vaccines aren't the work of the devil.

Democrats,

maybe Portland does suck.

(Laughter)

Canada, Canada, it's 2023,

you can’t call your police “Mounties.”

Alright?

We're imperfect, we have to accept that.

It's hard to say you don't know.

But it can also be liberating.

Like, I don't know how to throw away batteries, I don't.

(Laughter)

I don't know what "40 percent chance of rain" means.

Does it mean it's 40 percent chance it will rain

or that it’s going to rain, only 40 percent chance as hard?

I don't know, I don't know, I don't,

but it's liberating.

We need to, we need to concede a little on everything.

Except for gun safety reform.

That's a no-brainer.

But everything else --

And climate.

See, it's tough.

(Laughter)

It's hard, it's hard.

We're not very good at it.

It's not popular to concede.

In America, there's a big chunk of the population right now

who hasn't conceded the last presidential election.

It's hard to give any ground when you can't agree

that the Earth you stand on is either round or flat.

But, but, perhaps a gesture of understanding,

if not towards irrefutable facts,

but to your own uncertainty

is a step towards progress.

I think the phrase “I don’t know” invites a softening,

and the ground is too hard to grow much of anything right now.

What I think, in order for American democracy to survive,

we need a culture of vulnerability,

or at least a space in that culture for vulnerability.

The good news is, being wrong is sexy.

Failure is an aphrodisiac.

Every person who has ever loved me has told me how much of a loser I am.

(Laughter)

The proof is in the pudding.

And if conceding is too much for you,

if that feels weak, OK, don't think of it as conceding.

Think of it as gamesmanship.

You're setting a trap.

Trap them with your vulnerability.

(Laughter)

Hypnotize them with your humility.

Distract them with your failure.

And as they begin to reveal themselves to you in your uncertainty,

smash those fools.

(Laughter)

In the game of democracy, in order to win,

we may have to start with a loss.

But what do I know?

I could be wrong.

Thank you.

(Applause)