Crossing the divide of different

How to start real (positive) change in politics

It’s easy to project our beliefs, principles, and preferences on others and then judge them accordingly. We can choose to only engage with people who look, think, and act like us, but our world will grow ever smaller and more isolated.

An alternative is to recognize there’s usually not one ‘right way’ to think, speak, or act. We can choose the hard work of seeking to understand the intellectual, emotional, and situational perspectives of another person. This act of empathy leads to more connection, innovation, and creativity.

One of the key characteristics of empathy is withholding judgment. It’s holding space for someone to be different in a way that they feel seen and understood.

I believe the first step to creating positive change on controversial issues — whether gun control, national healthcare, or immigration reform — is empathizing with the ‘other’ side.

What if we held space for those with different perspectives to be seen and understood? What if, instead of judging or making assumptions, we got curious about their story and the why behind their actions? How might we listen more receptively by sitting on the same side of the table?