Sociological Split Brain Syndrome?
Latest folks to blow my mind were Arlie Hochschild and Krista Tippett.
On Krista’s podcast they were discussing Arlie’s book “Strangers in Their Own Land”, her journey from Berkley to Louisiana, what she learned along the way, and how we can depolarize our left wing / right wing interactions.
That little bit at the end got me thinking. The part about connective tissue.
Consider groups of people putting their heads together and working to solve a problem. Some groups do it well. Others do it poorly.
Imagine a group led by those who can’t imagine their ideas could have room for improvement. Imagine a group so contaminated by sneering that some, being afraid to contribute, leave thier ideas to fester on the meeting room floor. What confidence would you have in their solution to the problem they were working on?
Even when communication is at its best, it’s very difficult for many minds to work together as one. When communication is toxic, when the spirit of listening and learning is lacking, when this “connective tissue” in in poor heath how does that impact your group’s mind?
Bigger groups, present bigger challenges, and if you apply this nationally it‘s interesting to consider what might be in play here.
Could a left wing / right wing disconnect be similar to a right brain / left brain disconnect? Let’s look it up.
It sure seems like this disorder is in play. Our political parties, whether in power or in opposition, are certainly acting independently. Look at what we just saw from the US in their presidential debate.
Unfortunately there isn’t a cure for physical split brain syndrome. Once the corpus callosum, or connective tissue is lost, it’s gone for good.
Fortunately there is a cure for sociological split brain syndrome. Dr. Hochschild built up her connective tissue, and we can too.
Next time you hear something you disagree with ask why they think that way and listen to what they have to say. You will leave with your idea intact and reinforced from the exchange, unless your idea needed improvement. In that case you leave with a better idea. That’s a win/win either way.
Don’t put down those you disagree with. That leaves your good ideas to fester. Your better ideas are the best solution to their ideas which could be better. Always keep listening. Always keep learning.
