On Friday, September 11th, 2020, founder and CEO of MAP, Steven Oilkara joined a virtual panel hosted by the Conference on World Affairs via the University of Colorado Boulder. The panel included Heather Hurlburt, Director of the New Models of Policy Change at New America’s Political Reform program, and Romain Vakilitabar founder of Pathos Lab. Boulder City Councilman Bob Yates moderated the panel discussion. The theme of the panel centered on the question of “Can We Talk?" Communicating With Those You Don't Agree With”.
The discussion began with each panelist introducing themselves, their work, and their initial thoughts on how to communicate with people who don’t agree with you. Steven emphasized the work of MAP in rebuilding our nation’s politics and the importance of following in the steps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Specifically, Steven stated that it is critical to approach people who hold different views than you with radical empathy and with a genuine desire to listen and attempt to see where they are coming from. Additionally, Steven referenced the gay marriage revolution as an example of how our democracy can change over a relatively short span of time.
Steven emphasized the importance of the prevailing narrative and culture in impacting how you approach someone who you disagree with on a political or ideological basis. Steven contended that it is critical to push back against the narrative that our politics is and always will be cynical and corrupt and that as individuals, we should strive to provide counter-narratives about actual bridge building occurring at the state and local levels.
Heather Hurlburt contended that it is crucial to build a shared identity amongst the citizenry and to place relationship over task when engaging in a discussion with someone with a different viewpoint. Heather also suggested that establishing ground rules and structure creates a container for the discussion and makes clear to both participants about where each individual is willing to go in the conversation.
Romain Vakilitabar contended that the primary issue is not necessarily a lack of empathy, but increasing isolation due to technology and vanishing opportunities to interact with people that come from different backgrounds, perspectives, and circumstances. Romain cautioned against allowing our identities and political ideologies from becoming melded together as this will lead to increased tribalism and party polarization.
The panel discussion concluded with questions from the virtual audience. The panelists emphasized the importance of people engaging in politics and making a concerted effort to reach out to people outside your traditional networks and political circles.