Bridging Our Political Divide

"""In his beautifully written, lucid, and engaging book, Kenneth Barish addresses the central political, social, and cultural problem of our time: how to bring a fractured and polarized America together so that we, as a nation, can move into a more hopeful future. Barish’s book teaches us how to listen with sensitivity and empathy. He offers us a way to understand those with views and values different from our own, making it possible to find common ground. Sensitive and generous, Bridging Our Political Divide gives the reader a sense of hope during these difficult and frightening times."" Thomas A. Kohut, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Professor of History, Emeritus, Williams College, and author of Empathy and the Historical Understanding of the Human Past ""Kenneth Barish has written the most nuanced and thoughtful discussion about political polarization and the powerful underlying emotions and issues of identity that have transformed what was designed to be a process of vigorous democratic debate into hurtful and often hateful mutual disparagement. He proposes a clear guide to regain the process of dialogue that is so central to a functioning, healthy, and enlivening political process. This book should be read by students, professionals, and the public, to counteract the rapid descent into despair and disillusionment that is tearing families, communities, and our country apart."" Peter Fraenkel, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, The City College of New York ""Ken Barish has accomplished the rare feat of writing a simultaneously erudite and easily digestible book for these polarized times. He offers individuals several ways to restore a sense of mutuality to their personal lives as well as to our communal endeavors. Anyone who can no longer socialize with family or friends whose views differ from their own will appreciate his breakdown of the root causes of our fundamental disagreements and how to find common cause with others when our divergent views deeply alienate us from one another."" Billie A. Pivnick, Ph.D., co-chair, Center for Public Mental Health, William Alanson White Institute, New York City, NY ""In his aptly titled, Bridging Our Political Divide: How Liberals and Conservatives Can Understand Each Other and Find Common Ground, Kenneth Barish explores the damage of toxic polarization in modern-day American life. Offering dialogue in place of monologue (debate), he provides a psychologically sound answer to counter the growing chasm in relationships and politics, avoid the destructive abyss of increasing tribalism, and find ways to replace antagonism with teamwork."" Jerrold Lee Shapiro, Ph.D., Professor, Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University and author of Finding Meaning, Facing Fears: Living Fully Twixt Midlife and Retirement"