Braver Angels’ writers reconvened to talk about the handling of the allegations against Biden, reasons for the country’s continued polarization in the midst of COVID-19, and how Braver Angels should emphasize different aspects of its messaging.
Contributors:
James Coan
Erica Etelson
Monica Guzman
Randy Lioz
Ruth Littman
Luke Phillips
Greg Steinbrecher
Seven additional leaders from across civic life, education, public service, media, and social innovation have agreed to join a growing group of Americans standing publicly behind a simple but increasingly urgent idea: our country can navigate deep differences without sacrificing either conviction or respect.
Growing up in the eighties, his family moved all around the Midwest as his parents chased down steady, blue-collar work: factory jobs, construction, truck driving, whatever could pay the bills. “We were always poor,” Wilk said. And whether they were in Iowa, South Dakota, Colorado, or Minnesota, he often found himself on the outs. “It didn’t matter which side of the tracks we were on,” he said. “It was always the wrong side of the tracks.”
A native of Boulder, Colorado, Mia didn’t know many Trump supporters—and she was nervous to engage with them. “I was like, ‘Don’t they hate women? Don’t they hate black people?’” she said. “That was my initial belief because that’s what I had heard about people who voted for Trump.” But she quickly realized she was wrong. During the first Braver Lens session, Mia was able to connect with conservatives in the group and recognize their points of commonality. “When we met, they showed their pictures, and explained their life stories, and I was able to see where our values overlap,” she said.
1 thought on “Writers Roundtable – May 2020”
WOW! What an intriguing and educational experience listening to this roundtable! There was so much content to try to digest, but my mind was gleefully challenged trying to keep up with all the ideas and perspectives shared.
Thanks for this thought-provoking discussion and making it available for others to observe.
Look forward to the next one!