What We Say, What They Hear: How to Talk Politics and History in the Era of Cancel Culture
The news is in: more and more people are choosing to self-censor when it comes to discussing controversial topics because they fear the inevitable shouting match or uncivil reprisals that will ensue. Is there a better way to talk? A better way to listen?
Join us for an OLLI @Berkeley Town Hall focused on constructive ways to engage in discussions about even the most controversial topics with people whose views may differ, often significantly, from our own. If we are to learn from history so as not to repeat it, we must first be able to talk about it, collectively and constructively, as a community of diverse perspectives. Moderated by Berkeley professor Darren Zook.
About the Speakers
Tamim Ansary is an Afghan American author who grew up in Afghanistan and grew old in America. His books include the memoir West of Kabul, East of New York, and Games Without Rules, a history of Afghanistan from the inside looking out.
Cynthia Kaufman is the Director of the Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action De Anza College where she runs, and teaches in, a community organizer training program. She is the author of five books on social change including Consumerism, Sustainability, and Happiness: How to Build a World Where Everyone has Enough.
Darren Zook teaches in political science and global studies at UC Berkeley. His areas of interest include comparative politics, human rights and international law. He lectures all around the world, and has published six books.
About OLLI @Berkeley
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI @UC Berkeley) creates and maintains a public space where the joys and benefits of public dialogue and lifelong learning can engage Berkeley’s campus and the greater community (local, national and international.)
[online • free and open to all]