Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
How liberals can talk and listen to Trump supporters without blowing a fuse
American politics has become a nasty blood sport, and each side bears responsibility for its part in deepening and inflaming the divide. Liberals often come across as self-righteous, condescending, and contemptuous of conservatives, an attitude that has magnified the appeal of right-wing populism. This superior attitude, especially when infused with classist scorn, antagonizes blue collar conservatives and entrenches their loyalty to Trump.
In Beyond Contempt, Erica Etelson shows how liberal disdain strengthens Trump's hand and how liberals can instead communicate respectfully and effectively across the political divide without soft-pedaling their beliefs. Using Powerful Non-Defensive Communication, (TM) liberals can express themselves in ways that inspire open-minded consideration rather than defensive rejection. Providing detailed instruction and dozens of examples of questions and statements on hot button topics, Beyond Contempt shows how to engage in productive dialogue that defuses hostility, builds trust, opens hearts and minds, and -- just maybe -- discovers common ground.
Beyond Contempt is the must-have guide for anyone who has long wished that political discussions, and Thanksgiving dinner, didn't end in frustration and anger. Equipped with this guide, liberals can begin to build bridges and heal a nation that has become perilously polarized.
Erica Etelson is a writer, community activist, and certified Powerful Non-Defensive Communication(TM) facilitator. Etelson has organized for clean, community-owned energy Following the 2016 election, she became active in the resistance movement and in red-blue dialogue initiatives She lives in Berkeley, CA.
Synopsis
How liberals can talk with, and listen to, Trump supporters without blowing a fuse
Liberal and progressive frustration, grief, and alarm over Trump's destructive political agenda and behavior have prompted mounting disdain for Trump supporters and other conservatives. This reaction is contributing to political polarization and unwittingly serving to strengthen Trump's hand as he sows divisiveness and hatred. In Beyond Contempt , Erica Etelson shows us how to communicate respectfully, passionately, and effectively across the political divide without soft-pedaling our beliefs. Using Powerful Non-Defensive Communication skill sets, we can express ourselves in ways that inspire open-minded consideration instead of triggering defensive reaction. Providing detailed instruction and dozens of examples of how to discuss hot button topics, Beyond Contempt is a must-have guide to productive dialogue that can defuse hostility, build trust, and open hearts and minds in unexpected ways.
About the Author
Erica Etelson is a writer, community activist, and certified Powerful Non-Defensive Communication facilitator. A former human rights attorney, she has advocated in support of welfare recipients, prisoners, indigenous peoples, immigrants, and environmental activists. She has also organized for clean, community-owned energy as part of a just transition to a local, low-carbon economy. Following the 2016 election, Etelson became active in the resistance movement and in left-right dialogue initiatives. Her articles have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle , San Jose Mercury News, Progressive Populist , Truthout and Alternet . She lives with her husband and son in Berkeley, California.
Synopsis
Practical tools for finding common ground and healing a politically divided America
Liberal and progressive frustration, grief, and alarm over Trump's destructive political agenda and behavior have prompted mounting disdain for Trump supporters and other conservatives. This reaction is contributing to political polarization and unwittingly serving to strengthen Trump's hand as he sows divisiveness and hatred. In Beyond Contempt, Erica Etelson shows us how to communicate respectfully, passionately, and effectively across the political divide without soft-pedaling our beliefs. Using Powerful Non-Defensive Communication skill sets, we can express ourselves in ways that inspire open-minded consideration instead of triggering defensive reaction. Providing detailed instruction and dozens of examples of how to discuss hot button topics, Beyond Contempt is a must-have guide to productive dialogue that can defuse hostility, build trust, and open hearts and minds in unexpected ways.
About the Author
Erica Etelson is a writer, community activist, and certified Powerful Non-Defensive Communication facilitator. A former human rights attorney, she has advocated in support of welfare recipients, prisoners, indigenous peoples, immigrants, and environmental activists. She has also organized for clean, community-owned energy as part of a just transition to a local, low-carbon economy. Following the 2016 election, Etelson became active in the resistance movement and in left-right dialogue initiatives. Her articles have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, Progressive Populist, Truthout and Alternet. She lives with her husband and son in Berkeley, California.
Synopsis
A guide to productive dialogue across ideological divides with practical tools for building trust, defusing hostility, and approaching hot-button topics.
With the election of President Biden, many liberals thought that the world of political discourse would somehow go back to normal. But the continued extremism of Republican politicians and conservative pundits has only stoked the flames of progressive disdain in ways that make it harder than ever to engage in civil debate.
In Beyond Contempt, Erica Etelson shows us how to communicate effectively across the political divide without soft-pedaling our beliefs--or playing into the hands of divisive politicians. Using Powerful Non-Defensive Communication skill sets, we can express ourselves in ways that inspire open-minded consideration instead of triggering defensive reactions. With detailed instruction and helpful examples, Etelson demonstrates how we can open hearts and minds in unexpected ways.