Trump supporters go to Star Trek convention. It didn't go well

[pat_k]

200. Some

Others are never Trumpers. The "reds" and "blues" who show up are a self-selected group of people who are already willing to take a shot at "engaging" with the other side in way that doesn't feed the flames of anger and hate. The one thing in common is frustration with the vicious cycle of growing polarization and hate. Some have lost friends and family to "the divide" and are hoping to find a way to reconnect on some level.

Although changing minds is not the point of the workshops, one thing I've seen over and over is a softening of position that comes out of someone feeling heard by the "other side."

For anyone interested I would start with a "disagreeing better" workshop. They also have a monthly film and discussion group that is usually interesting. A more intensive workshop is the "red/blue" workshop. That's one I'd like to do again, but I think they prioritize people who haven't taken it before. There are many, many, other types of events. There are "debates" (not structured like a typical debate) on controversial topics. In places with an established chapter, there are in-person events. There are also opportunities to engage in structured 1-to-1 virtual meetings someone from the "other side."

As much as "we" may be disgusted by "their" othering, I see a good bit of "othering" of "them" on our side.