In the midst of some of the world's most intense religious, political and societal conflicts, these incredible individuals are pioneering new ways to connect with those on opposing sides. It isn’t always easy. The personal costs can be enormous and the odds of success are far from certain, but for some, accepting things as they are just isn't an option.
When we encounter ideas we don’t like, we often shut them down. Professor John Inazu explains why that’s a bad…
When we encounter ideas we don’t like, we often shut them down. John Inazu, the author of Confident Pluralism and the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University School of Law, explains why that’s a bad thing and what we can do to fix it.
Charlie Sykes, a conservative radio host and author of "How the Right Lost Its Mind", explains the dangers of “alternative facts” and why he thinks they are a threat to democracy.
What happens when you put people of all political persuasions together over dinner?
In the wake of the 2016 election, Tria Chang and Justine Lee felt frustrated and confused by the results. But they also realized that they didn’t know a single Trump voter. And most of their friends didn’t either. Tria and Justine wanted to find a way to get out of their bubble and talk to people who had different views. So they started Make America Dinner Again. At each dinner,…
Insights on working through conflict with Harvard's top negotiation expert.
Have you ever found yourself in an argument that was so frustrating that no resolution felt possible? Harvard’s top negotiation expert, Dr. Daniel Shapiro, says it’s not what we’re arguing about that’s the problem, it’s how we’re arguing. Dr. Shapiro is author of Negotiating the Nonnegotiable and has committed his career to giving people a framework for resolving their most emotionally-charged conflicts. As political and cultural tensions continue to heighten…
A local barber teams up with an officer to ease tensions in their community.
In the wake of the Michael Brown shooting, Shaun “Lucky” Corbett, a barber in Charlotte, was inspired to do his part to bring peace to his community. Lucky teamed up with Officer Rob Dance to start a mentoring program that has opened up an important dialogue between the officers and the community.
Why a gay rights activist started a movement to talk to thousands who voted against gay marriage.
After Californians voted against gay marriage in 2008, Dave Fleischer, head of the Leadership LAB at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, knew he had to do something different to reach people. Dave and his team embarked on an ambitious task to talk to as many people who who disagreed with them as they could. They used a technique called “deep canvassing” where activists connect with people using personal stories to…
When a Jewish community lost its place of worship, help came from an unexpected place.
When an imam invited a Jewish congregation to worship in his mosque, many of his members left in protest. But the initial controversy has since given way to an inspiring example of tolerance and compassion.
77% of people think the country is more divided than it’s ever been. We set out to meet the people…
It feels like we've never been more divided. Yet amidst our most intense religious, political, and cultural conflicts, there are people around the country who are working tirelessly to forge connections. It’s not easy and the odds of success are far from certain, but for some, accepting things as they are just isn't an option. Freethink presents a new original series, “Crossing the Divide.”
