Presidential Speaker Series: How to engage in civil discourse despite political divisions

Polarization around politics has seemingly increased in recent years, but there's also hope that civil discourse can help bridge the divide.

That was the primary sentiment that emerged from a discussion between Tulane University President Michael A. Fitts and Stanford University sociology professor Robb Willer at the Presidential Speaker Series on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

The wide-ranging conversation held at Myra Clare Rogers Memorial Chapel on Tulane's uptown campus touched on how universities can encourage meaningful dialogue among people who disagree.

When Fitts asked about the best strategy for speaking with people who have views different from one's own, Willer offered practical tips for attendees on how to discuss politics while respecting and empathizing with other perspectives.

"Rather than rushing in with judgment, take a posture of listening and curiosity as the first step," Willer said. "Take a breath, slow down the heart rate, take a deeper breath and invite the other person to talk."

In opening remarks, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robin Forman emphasized the role universities play in bringing people together from different walks of life and opposing viewpoints.

In March, Tulane announced that it was launching the Tulane Center for Civil Discourse in an effort to strengthen reasoned dialogue and civic engagement across campuses. In tandem with events like the Presidential Speaker Series, Forman said the center reflects a belief that's a cornerstone of both higher education and a democratic society: "When people approach disagreements with curiosity, respect and empathy, it deepens understanding and strengthens communities."

The need for greater communication and civility is particularly important at a time when political divisions and animosity threaten to destabilize democracy, Willer said.

In his view, the decrease in face-to-face discussions plays a role in creating rifts while social media and other information sources have become more effective at delivering divisive messaging.

But Willer finds optimism in the strangers he's invited to his labs for his research on politics, democracy and social change. At Stanford, he directs the Politics and Social Change Lab and the AI for Public Benefit Lab and co-directs the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society.

Despite political differences, Willer sees tensions dissolve when people meet one another in person. Their expectation of a negative encounter is usually replaced by a positive one, and their animosity toward their political rivals remains lower even months later.

Willer advised people to share their own political views within a personal narrative, explaining how their experiences led them to hold certain opinions. He also encouraged people to share their life stories with those who hold different political views.

"That really humanizes people, and it makes them trust one another, respect one another and empathize in a way you're not getting on social media," Willer said.

Fitts asked whether the extreme level of political polarization in the U.S. is a global phenomenon. Such divisions are increasing in most developed countries, but not everywhere, Willer said.

Polarization has increased among political leaders in the U.S., "and that's sending a signal down to us," Willer said.

"There's a real clarity of which team you're supposed to be on now," he said. "It's not ambiguous like it was in the 1950s, like 'maybe I should be a Republican, maybe I should be a Democrat, I'm not totally sure.' Most people can answer that question now."

Fitts noted the prevailing feeling of "them versus us" and asked about misconceptions one side held about the other. Willer's research has found that people in general tend to "over-stereotype" their political rivals.

Forman said events like Willer's discussion represent Tulane's renewed focus on fostering civil discourse, strengthening dialogue and reinforcing its commitment to free expression and open inquiry as being foundational to academic excellence.

"Universities have a unique opportunity and, if we are being true to our core mission, a responsibility to model something better - thoughtful dialogue, rigorous and respectful debate, and genuine intellectual openness," Forman said.