Talking to Each Other About Controversies Now – Gilbert

Matt Kundert, University of Arizona, Department of English

Current social controversies reflect our nation’s complex history, politics and values. Our views can differ sharply on whether or not America has changed for the better, or for the worse. We can point to specific cultural and technological developments that have made it difficult to feel part of one country.  Media can shape our sense of inclusion and exclusion, what is true and false, what connects us and divides us. But democracy is based on hope, the hope that we might solve our problems by talking to each other.  How should we approach each other today?  How do we balance respect for the people around us, and our common humanity, against suspicion and fear in the face of ideological differences?  How do we keep the conversation going about difficult political and social events? How can we listen to, and learn from, experiences and opinions different from our own?  Join us for a FRANK Talk exploring the skills and attitudes of citizenship and conversability.