While it’s a common realization that the world has become a connected global village, it’s also a fact that we are seeing increasing divisions based on ideology, culture, class, race, religion, family values, and politics. With each passing day, differing attitudes, cultural values, perceived social norms, and political ideologies are pulling people further apart. This increased polarization is also making people feel isolated, demoralized, or angry since dialogue often ends up in arguments, hostility, and further division rather than listening, connection, problem-solving and social cohesion.
Yet, no matter how much divided communities become, we have an inherent longing to feel accepted and a need for togetherness. If we become better listeners, more interested and tolerant of opposing opinions, all while staying calm and goal-oriented, we can live harmoniously in an increasingly divergent world.
This blog highlights the key ways on how to navigate differences and come together in a world which is becoming more and more polarized.
Being respectful, calm, and composed while feeling triggered with opposing views are certain techniques we can use to better handle criticisms and opposition. This may not always seem easy and simple, but with constant practice and an open mind, we can master how to have more constructive communication.
To be able to positively communicate with others, you first need to stabilize or strengthen your mind and body. You can do so by regularly indulging in self-care measures. Regular sleep, exercise, eating healthy, meditation and deep-breathing, building strong social bonds, and taking time for your hobbies are some of the measures that allow and promote self-regulation.
Especially when stressed or in disagreement, people tend to passively listen (or not listen at all) to another person’s point of view. We tend to ignore what the other person is saying and rather focus mainly on giving responses based on our own beliefs. This is a common error which has exacerbated the issue of polarized societies. Therefore, mastering the art of active listening is crucial, where you consider every view, regardless of your preconceived notion. Here’s how you do it:
This method of active listening forms the groundwork for positive communication, giving ample opportunity for everyone to speak their minds.
Empathy in easy terms is putting yourself in another person’s shoes, seeing where they are coming from and how what they are saying makes sense to them. Empathy is the most crucial element for overcoming polarization, be it in politics, war, family dynamics, workplace, religion, or any area. Empathy mapping is one such technique to bridge the gap between people, making them more open towards others while expressing themselves. Here’s how to do it:
Most organizations these days are aiming to foster dialogue by providing constructive initiatives to bring together people with opposing views. For example, the United States has an NGO named “Braver Angels” which is aimed at reducing political polarization by bringing together liberals and conservatives using empathetic dialogues, workshops, and debates. This initiative worked on the “us vs. them” attitude, helping people see others as multifaceted individuals with unique thought processes rather than opponents fighting to prove what they deem right.
The way we convey our message determines how the other person receives it. In a complex argument or polarized situation, it is important that you convey your information in a constructive rather than an argumentative manner. Sandwich method is an extremely useful method of expressing yourself, where you sandwich your idea between two positive and neutral statements. Here’s how you do it:
Confirmation bias is also one of the key drivers of polarization. It is when we tend to seek out ideas and information that approves our pre-existing beliefs. To avoid this, we need to practice cognitive reframing—reconstructing your own ideas by looking at a situation with a different perspective. This is a deliberative practice which encourages people to confront their biases and come out of their own comfort zones by considering alternative views. Here’s how you do it:
Emotions are often high during disagreements which may increase polarization among groups. Social media has also increased affective polarization where like-minded people are grouped together, leading to further stereotyping.
In this situation, high emotional regulation and remaining grounded is most important to reach peaceful conclusions. Techniques like pausing and deep breathing makes you stay grounded, while mindfulness makes you focus on the present. Always make sure to identify your feelings and triggers, regulate your emotional responses, engage in positive self-talk, and choose the right time to deal with complex situations. If you mess up, simply say “Sorry, I lost my cool. It was a tough day for me” & try again later.
Polarization in today’s world is never-ending; however, learning how to come together despite having differences is the key to peaceful “future-ready” society. Doing this is definitely challenging, but with open-mindedness, intention and practicing the techniques described above, you can learn how to respect and deal with other people’s opinions and may as well change them in a most productive manner.
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While it’s a common realization that the world has become a connected global village, it’s also a fact that we are seeing increasing divisions based on ideology, culture, class, race, religion, family values, and politics. With each passing day, differing attitudes, cultural values, perceived social norms, and political ideologies are pulling people further apart. This increased polarization is also making people feel isolated, demoralized, or angry since dialogue often ends up in arguments, hostility, and further division rather than listening, connection, problem-solving and social cohesion.
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