Ending Toxic Polarization in American Politics

Division is nothing new in America, but the current political divide feels different. Why are we so angry and fearful and ever more deeply entrenched in our safe little bubbles of like-minded people? Disagreement, conflict, and differences in opinion are normal and are often a healthy part of democracy. But the way we handle our differences in beliefs, attitudes, and opinions can do more harm than good. Does polarization in the United States pose a threat to our political system? And, most importantly, is there a way to end this toxic polarization in American politics? In this podcast episode, we discuss the root causes of toxic polarization in America today, practical advice on bridging our differences, and the story of one man trying to change the narrative one difficult conversation at a time. Podcast Guests: Dylan Marron, author, “Conversations with People Who Hate Me” Amy Chua, Yale Law School professor, author, “Political Tribes,” and “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” Peter Coleman, social psychologist, Columbia University, author, “The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization.”