January 2026

Finding Common Ground in a Divided Society

By Richard Myers
Posted: 08/27/2025

Notes by Sharon Jarrett

There was no formal agenda and the participants engaged in a wide ranging discussion related to issues around inequality, voter suppression and recent books of interest.

One of the participants joining the discussion lives in Houston, Texas. The participant was asked for an overview of how the re districting issue was viewed by citizens in Houston. The reply was that overall there is little reaction to either the plan for gerrymandering districts or the legislators who left the state to delay the vote on the plan. The participant, who has lived in Houston since the 1980's indicated there is very little attention to politics in actual communities. The participant noted that they had moved from Ohio to Texas and was surprised at the low level of interest in political matters overall in Houston.

The group next discussed DEI. Some noted that the training focus used in some settings were formulaic and did not engage people or achieve a level of awareness. It was suggested that focusing on three elements would have resulted in a better outcome:

1.  Desire understanding. Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

2.  People remember how they felt about actions and language used toward them.

3.  Everyone is vulnerable. What affects you, affects me.

A participant reminded the group of Braver Angels, an organization that seeks to bridge divides between people with different experiences.

The next item discussed was the lack of awareness of the effects of money in politics, as well as the influence created by the Citizens United decision. It was noted that people are worn out by the effects of this decision.

Next the discussion turned to two books.

1.  Thinking Fast and Slow.   2011.   Daniel Kahneman

      Addresses 2 systems of thought.  One fast, instinctive and emotional, the second, deliberate and 
      logical.

      The author outlines motivations and triggers associated with each type and the cognitive
      bias associated with each.

2.  Outclassed.       2025.    Joan C Williams

      The author addressed value systems and how they make sense to people with varied shared
      experiences

      Williams, who is Distinguished Professor of Law and Hastings Foundation Chair at University of California, Hastings College of the Law, has authored or co-authored six books. 

At the conclusion of the discussion the essential issue is how do you work with people without demonizing their beliefs? How do you find common ground?  How do you learn about the need that is not being met for an individual?

The group will meet again on September 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM Pacific.