Toxic Polarization, Civil War & Local Conversation

Kristi Kendall, an accomplished television producer and filmmaker, and Ben Klutsey, Director of the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, joined the show to discuss their new documentary film, Undivide Us. The film brings together people from diverse backgrounds to discuss highly contentious topics like gun control, abortion, and immigration, and dives into the pressing concerns of America's current political culture, exploring the risks of national division and the specter of civil unrest.

Kristi and Ben stress the significance of local community engagement, advocating for a decentralized approach to defusing toxic polarization. They challenge media narratives that present black-and-white stereotypes as representing average Americans across the political spectrum and highlight the importance of nuance and perspective. Classical liberal values of mutual respect and curiosity can pave the way for a more united America if we take them seriously.

If you would like to learn more about Undivide Us, click here, and if you would like to learn more about the Program for Pluralism and Civil Exchange, click here.