The speaker, Irshad Manji, discusses the importance of understanding and embracing diversity in society. She emphasizes that diversity is not a human construct but a fact of life. She argues that the question is not whether we will use diversity to tear society apart, but whether we will use it to unite society.
Manji explains that humans are born with a brain that scans for threats, which can lead to stress and defensiveness when encountering differing viewpoints. She cautions against resorting to clashes based on political affiliations or ideological labels, suggesting that these labels do not truly represent the evolving nature of humans.
Manji introduces five skills to reduce emotional defenses and turn contentious issues into constructive conversations:
1. Deep breathing: This helps to shift from the hyper emotional ego region to the prefrontal cortex, where cognition and emotion can coexist.
2. Creating common ground: Instead of waiting for chance to find a unifying factor, actively seek it.
3. Asking sincere questions: This shows respect for the other person's viewpoint and gives them the opportunity to express their thoughts.
4. Active listening: This involves listening with the intention to learn, rather than trying to win the argument.
5. Asking another question: This can help to deepen understanding and keep the conversation going.
She concludes by asking the audience to consider their motivations in engaging in contentious discussions, encouraging them to choose to solve problems rather than to feel morally superior.
1. Diversity is a fact of life, not a human construct. [Source: Document 1]
2. The speaker questions whether society will use diversity to tear it apart or to unite it. [Source: Document 1]
3. Humans are born with a brain that scans for threats five times a second. [Source: Document 1]
4. When encountering differing viewpoints, our primitive brain makes us feel more stressed and defensive. [Source: Document 1]
5. The speaker criticizes the use of labels, arguing that humans are not static but constantly evolving. [Source: Document 1]
6. The speaker suggests that to bring people together and solve problems, we should recognize and relate to humanity, not exploit it. [Source: Document 1]
7. The speaker introduces themselves as Irshad Manji and shares their experience as a culture warrior. [Source: Document 1]
8. The speaker shares a story about a deputy superintendent of police who used the phrase "tell me more" to defuse a tense situation at a town hall meeting. [Source: Document 1]
9. The speaker emphasizes that practicing these skills does not guarantee harmony, but it does increase the chances of healthy outcomes in contentious conversations. [Source: Document 1]
10. The speaker poses an uncomfortable question: Are we in contentious conversations to solve problems or to feel morally superior? [Source: Document 1]