Humanizing Opposition
It seems like everything is politically polarized lately. Everything is us versus them. Frequently, language is used to portray the other side of an issue as an enemy or less than human. This cannot possibly lead to constructive debates on issues and has probably resulted in several uncomfortable Thanksgiving dinners over the last few years.
Could libraries provide a safe, civilized, and calm way to meet and greet people from both sides of the political aisles to have a conversation? We could provide a space and opportunity to let people get to know each other as real people and not the “radical right” or “liberal extremists.” We might be surprised to know that our neighbors do not hold the same beliefs that we do but are still good people with families, hopes, and dreams. We could provide coffee, snacks, and a chance for the community to find common ground.
(1) |
Comments (5)
I would suggest checking out Nancy Kranich, "Libraries: Reuniting the Divided States of America" The Library Quarterly, Vol 87, Number 4October 2017( Aftermath: Libraries, Democracy, and the 2016 Presidential Election, Part 2) Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/693495
I will check that out! Thank you for the suggestion!
Hi Jessie:
Great idea. How would you start? How would you convince people to take the risk and venture into the safe space?
Since Maggie has pointed out this has been done before successfully, I would look into what they did and try to get in contact with them for advice on what worked and what didn't!
Love this idea. It would be tricky to pull off, but with the right moderator, it could be quite successful. It's been done before with really good results. Example: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/across-the-country-liberals-and-conservatives-are-coming-together-at-moderated-dinners-to-understand-each-other-better/2020/02/20/7b393b4a-4143-11ea-aa6a-083d01b3ed18_story.html