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International House Times 7 T he stakes feel high in these days of polarization and fear as we struggle to navigate the uncertainties of a persistent pandemic, gross inequities, and the divisive impacts of misinformation. What does it take to be courageous in our relationships, communities, and workplaces, when social divides are so palpable and high-stakes? Let's start with a dictionary definition of polarization: "division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs." Healthy tension between contrasting opinions and beliefs is how we learn, grow, innovate, and build toward a more inclusive society. e distinguishing term here is sharply. In the modern age of social media, misinformation, and algorithms that are trained to feed us what we already believe—regardless of whether it's factual or "fake news"— polarization is on the rise at alarming rates. When individuals discuss topics in a group of like-minded people, they emerge with stronger, more extreme beliefs. In a world where algorithms funnel us into echo chambers, it's no surprise we're falling deeper into polarization. Our brains are wired to more naturally trust people we see as similar to us. Luckily, with some intention, awareness, and practice, we have the capacity to shift this dynamic and interrupt polarization. Cue: Courage. We need courage because it's no easy feat to overcome polarization and reach toward one another. It can help to begin with small steps. What can each of us do in our own lives to move into courageous conversations? Here are a few tips to help you navigate your way: 1. Expand your in-group. Polarization means our in-groups —cultural bubbles of shared interest and identity—are getting smaller and smaller. Finding commonalities helps us expand our in-groups, creating a sense of connection, and getting our brains out of the fight/flight/freeze response that's triggered by perceived differences. 2. Shift your posture. Fight/flight/freeze is important: our brains are wired to scan for danger, and often register difference as danger. When this happens, a part of our Courage To Connect In Polarized Times brain called the amygdala takes over and cuts off access to our neocortex—the part of the brain responsible for creative thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and learning. In these states, our brains literally do not have access to the parts that allow us to hear one another. Consider pausing and reflecting until your neocortex reconnects. 3. Interrupt your biases. Unconscious biases drive human behavior far more than was ever believed. Biases that categorize people based on stereotypes are only one type of bias contributing to continued polarization. Confirmation bias fuels the in-group isolating effect of social media: we find and remember information that confirms what we already believe (and forget or dismiss contrary information). Self-positivity bias makes us tend to see ourselves in a more positive light than others see us. Take intentional steps to expose yourself to contrasting ideas. Fact-check yourself, be ready to push through discomfort, and do your best to practice humility. 4. Be wrong. A genuine willingness to engage in dialogue means a willingness to listen and change. As Adrienne Maree Brown writes in her inspiring book Emergent Strategy, "Be wrong; be soft in your rightness." To be wrong means admitting when you've made a mistake or owning up to a negative impact you've had on someone as a way to model accountability. To be soft in your rightness is to honor each of our journeys and give one another space and grace to change and grow. Finding the courage to turn toward each other and to connect across divides is a crucial step toward having more honest, courageous, and accountable communities and moving toward a more inclusive and equitable future. n By Briana Bellamy, CIL Intercultural Training Specialist To learn more about CIL's leadership training opportunities, please visit cil.berkeley.edu or email cil@berkeley.edu.

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