Democracy requires that we communicate properly with one another — not necessarily to agree, but to appreciate different perspectives. Research shows, however, that more and more people are avoiding political discussions because the tone on social media, television and newspapers has become increasingly aggressive and filled with mudslinging.
Journalist and author Kurt Strand takes his book So Let's Speak Properly as a starting point and analyzes how unproductive confrontation amplifies societal divisions. He demonstrates concrete paths toward more constructive dialogue and highlights the role of media as facilitators.
Programme
- 4 November: Is polarization the next pandemic? About how we can speak properly even when we disagree.
- 11 November: Democracy's weapons of mass destruction — on false narratives, rhetoric and handling of complex conflicts.
- 18 November: To discuss is to think together — how we as citizens and media can create more dialogue-seeking and solution-oriented debate.
About Kurt Strand: Journalist with over 40 years of experience, instructor in journalism and storytelling, moderator at debates and conferences, and author of several works on media and politics.
