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Comment by yarou | Hacker News Reader

I don't like the fact that American society is becoming so heavily politicized. I have family members, cousins who are brother and sister, refusing to talk to each other because of this nonsense.

This needs to end.

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I agree. This is a primary concern for me as well. What are your ideas on how this can be addressed and improved?

Cultural change is hard. Like really hard. It's easier to join a culture you like than it is to change a culture you don't like. Cultures form a part of someone's identity and when you mess with someones identity they get defensive and sometimes violent.

I'm not sure that there is a fix for this that isn't a local long term commitment to finding common ground with those around you.

Is there anything you are personally doing?

I'm doing exactly what I said in my last sentence. I'm committing to a local long term effort to find common ground with those around me. I'm also under no illusions that it will happen quickly.

I think that's a great idea, and I'm of the same opinion that it needs to be done locally and personally. Do you have specific strategies or tactics you're using? The status quo doesn't appear to be enough.

The thing about local and personal is that the strategies tend to be pretty specific to your particular situation. But there are some general things that will help.

1. Listen first. And don't just passively listen actively listen. Ask questions which leads into the second thing.

2. Try to genuinely understand why someone believes as they do. What is motivating their actions and reactions.

3. Once you are able to empathize with someone that should inform the tactics and strategies you use.

Agreed on all points. Even though actions may be specific to the local situation, I think it can still be useful to share, as it can provide a starting point for ideas, even if it's not directly applicable.

Thanks again!

The new requests for startups, particularly concerning news and democracy are good long-term solutions to help solve the problem.

In the short to medium term, I'm not sure.

I'd like to think those will help. I'm skeptical because people need to be able to trust them, in particular those around news, and given the current state of affairs I don't know how they can build or justify that trust.

Are there any steps you're taking personally?

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