10 Comments
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Patrick Greene's avatar

I'm a queer, Black, and disabled veteran working in education researching in the field of disability studies. I have better uses for my time than starting to chat with MAGA folks (like surviving).

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Karin Tamerius's avatar

Agreed. I should have added a statement that this advice is meant for people who aren’t themselves the targets of MAGAs hate. I’ll add an update. Thanks!

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We Are Already Here's avatar

Thanks for this! Persuasion is key, and that can only happen from a place of empathy.

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Mary Austin (she/her)'s avatar

I really appreciate this. I’m on the President’s mailing list, to see what people are getting, and it’s very seductive. Lots of “I love you” and “I need you” and “we’re in this together,” which is compelling.

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Roy Temple's avatar

This is a really smart take.

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Daniela Ito's avatar

In our extended family we agreed a while ago to forgo politics altogether. But there are people I will never talk to again because of their votes and support for Trump. It is unforgivable. And I will not reach out or help them in need. Sorry. I grew up in an authoritarian country. I know what we're headed for. It's not pretty.

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Steve Tonjes's avatar

Trump supporters didn't grow up in an authoritarian country, and don't know what we're headed for. Difficult as it is to contain our anger, it only drives them further into their deluded support.

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Joann Schissel's avatar

We own a business (winery) so we get all kinds of customers, especially in our red state of Iowa. If they go off into political discussion we simply tell them, no politics here. Let’s talk about something we both enjoy like wine or camping. Almost 100% leave with good feelings.

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Steve Tonjes's avatar

Braver Angels provides structured opportunities for Reds and Blues to communicate, and trainings for resisting the temptation to give in to anger and recriminations.

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

I agree wholeheartedly.

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