Bridging Divides this Holiday Season
By: Gayathri Shukla, December 2, 2024
In the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, I’ve been reflecting on the challenges of finding connection in a divided world. How do I express what matters to me without alienating those I care about? How do I find my authentic voice while holding space for others?
The divide feels enormous—half the voters are devastated, and the other half are celebrating. It’s hard not to feel despair or even terror. More than ever, I yearn for human dignity, care, and respect for all of us—regardless of political party, gender, race, religion, or any other identity.
And this isn’t just a U.S. issue. Globally, we’re seeing similar dynamics play out. Conversations around equity and justice are met with pushback. Some organizations have scaled back on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts or eliminated roles entirely. Yet, through my work, I know many organizations who are remaining steadfast in their DEI commitments. Because they recognize one important truth: DEI is not just a policy or program; it’s about how we treat one another in every interaction.
As we approach the holidays, these divides often creep in to the dinner table. If you’re feeling apprehensive about navigating political conversations, here are a few approaches that are helping me:
- Expand Your Perspectives:
Follow voices across the political spectrum to gain insights on divergent viewpoints. This is important even if you disagree with those views, because often we’re stuck in our own echo chambers (thanks but no thanks, social media algorithms). I have found this episode by Sam Harris on his podcast, Making Sense, helpful in unpacking opposing views; as well as DEI expert Ruchika Malhotra’s recent newsletter which highlights the importance of continuing to support the most marginalized communities. - Allow space for story:
As someone who teaches storytelling, I cannot overstate the importance of extending empathy by understanding where someone is coming from. What each of us want is to be seen, heard and understood. When we lean into others’ story, we help them bring their guard down, relaxing their nervous system, which in turn allows you to share your story too for a reciprocal dialog. For a 30-minute video tutorial and resource guide, check out our online course, Foundations of Empathy & Storytelling. - Plan Your Conversations:
Mudita Nisker and Dan Clurman’s work on communications offers us a practical guide for navigating difficult topics. Some of their tips include:
– Set intentions: Know what you want to say and the boundaries you want to hold. Scripting can help – you don’t have to be rigid, but rehearsing your key points in advance can make your conversation more effective.
– Reflect before reacting: Practice reflective listening by paraphrasing in your own words and reflecting back to someone the essence of what they shared. You’re also giving yourself a pause to avoid emotional escalation before you respond.
– Say Nothing: Sometimes, silence IS the best choice!
Remember, you’re part of a global tapestry of change. While it’s not easy, we must celebrate the small wins, support one another, and hold space for humanity in these conversations. I am grateful to be on this continual learning journey, and I’d love to hear how these points (albeit, non-exhaustive) resonate with you.
I wish you warmth, connection, and meaningful moments this holiday season,
Gayathri