Can We Talk?: Communicating Moral Concern in an Era of Polarized Politics

Democracy is endangered by toxic political discourse, including disinformation, harassment, and mass shaming.  These forms of discourse activate express esteem competition among rival identity groups, as well ethnocentric fear resentment.  Such antagonistic feelings derail democratic practices, fact-based discussion problems policies to address them. When people interpret every concern raised a different group an attack on their own group’s standing, they resist consideration the facts avoid exposure shame blame. Yet, when point raising orient others moral concerns, how can we communicate these concerns without blaming shaming those who resist?  Without denying that practices are sometimes justified, I suggest alternative ways so blame, raise come share them.  alternatives part ethos communication, which ordinary citizens should practice enable democracy succeed.