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Defusing Polarization: Understanding Divisive Politics

Name: Defusing Polarization: Understanding Divisive Politics
Rating: 4.1 (20 reviews)

Realize how your differently experienced needs create political differences and fuels polarization.

Created bySteph Turner

Last updated 4/2020

English

What you'll learn

By the end of this course you will be able to neutralize the most offensive culprit to political polarization: rationalized disrespect for one another’s specific needs.
You will be able to attract respect across the political divide, as you sharpen your new skill for prioritizing each other’s needs ahead of ideology.
You will be able to see where others come from with their political views. Instead of denouncing them, or agreeing with them, you will now catch a glimpse of the vulnerable needs lurking behind the hard shell of their proclaimed political reasoning.
You will be able to convert political hostility into mutual respect, using a simple but engaging communication format I give you.
And you will be able to do this because you will be among the first to utilize a new academic field for understanding one another’s needs.
Plus, a sprinkling of genial humor helps lighten your load.

Course content

8 sections • 27 lectures • 3h 24m total length

Welcome, let's get started2:08
Let's lay the foundation for our journey together. Briefly, what you can expect.

Introducing myself [0:00 - 0:27] (0:27)
Course benefits [0:27 - 1:04] (0:37)
Course overview [1:04 - 2:08] (1:04)
How to maximize this course3:52
A quick orientation to this course with some ideas for optimizing it, to best fit your needs.
Following the format
Engaging the content
Distilling the content
Checking your learning
Budgeting your precious time
I value your input
Your engaging feedback
And now let’s isolate the problem…

Seeing the problem without blaming4:37
When digging up the roots behind our political polarization, there’s no need for blame. After the section and engaging opener (1:55):

Seeing the problem without blaming [1:55 – 4:37] (2:42)
Dissecting the problem with new naming6:39
Understanding polarization starts with understanding the needs politics serves. After the engaging opener (0:51):

1) A fresh approach [0:51 - 1:55] (1:04)
2) Previous attempts [1:55 - 3:33] (1:38)
3) Understanding your needs [3:33 - 6:26] (2:53)
Next… [6:26 - 6:39] (0:13)
Facing the problem without shaming10:21
Being disciplined to describe what’s actually there, instead of the quick normalizing reaction. After the engaging opener (1:01):

Descriptive over Normative [1:01 - 2:31] (1:30)
Premature normativity [2:31 - 5:23] (2:52)
Normative Politics enables Divisive Politics [5:23 -7:34] (2:11)
Descriptive Politics enables Empower Politics [7:23 - 8:50] (1:16)
Empower Politics over Polarizing Politics [8:50 - 10:01] (1:11)
Next… [10:01 - 10:21] (0:20)
RECAP1:01
Quick summary of this section’s key points and new terms.

Love (lecture 3 takeaway)
Need (lecture 4 takeaway)
Power (lecture 5 takeaway)
YOUR CHIEF TAKEAWAY (section 2 takeaway)
New terms you learned (short glossary)
Quiz for section 2

Defining politics6:15
You now get a definition of politics that lifts you out of the dark fog of hostile polarization, bursting open a new window of illuminating insight, drawing in a refreshing light of clarity. After the section and engaging opener (2:03):

1) Popular or critical politics [2:03 - 3:51] (1:48)
2) Academic definitions of politics [3:51 - 4:50] (0:59)
3) Defining politics with your needs in mind [4:50 - 6:03] (1:13)
Next... [6:03 - 6:15] (0:12)
Dissecting politics7:45
Defining politics to include its purpose to serve needs opens new insights for appreciating how politics can slide into polarization. After the engaging opener (0:51):

1) Generalized appeals [0:51 - 2:25] (1:34)
2) Felt needs [2:25 - 4:03] (1:38)
3) Common resources [4:03 - 7:32] (3:29)
Next… [7:32 - 7:45] (0:13)
Defining Polarization10:40
Defining politics as serving needs throws a spotlight on the problem of polarization. Generalizing about each other’s opposing needs provokes defensive opposition. After the engaging opener (0:35):

1) Popular politics begets political polarization [0:35 - 3:22] (2:47)
2) Generally speaking [3:22 - 5:46] (2:24)
3) Differing experiences of specific needs [5:46 - 7:02] (1:16)
4) Differing social situations [7:02 - 9:42] (2:40)
5) Needs come first [9:42 - 10:27] (0:45)
Next… [10:27 - 10:40] (0:13)
RECAP1:33
Quick summary of this section’s key points and new terms.

Defining politics
Breaking that definition down
Defining political polarization
YOUR CHIEF TAKEAWAY
Continuing from here…
More terms you learned
Review prompt?
Quiz for section 3

Beyond belief9:49
The accepted art of political generalizing lets your untested beliefs replace personally knowing one another. After the section and engaging opener (1:20):

Normative alienation > Overgeneralized beliefs > Polarization [1:20 - 3:17] (1:57)
Anakelogical insight into generalizing beliefs: 1, 2, 3 [3:17 - 3:35] (0:18)
1) Your generalized beliefs contain errors [3:35 - 5:09] (1:34)
2) You believe what you need to believe [5:09 - 6:52] (1:43)
3) Your situation shapes your experience of needs [6:52 - 9:14] (2:22)
Summary [9:14 - 9:36] (0:23)
Next… [9:36 - 9:49] (0:12)
Beyond reason11:48
Generalizations addressing your needs often try to pass for specifics, and others with different needs are typically the first to notice this rationalizing bias. After the engaging opener (2:02):

Rational supremacy > Overgeneralized reasoning > Polarization [2:02 - 3:26] (1:24)
Anakelogical insight into generalizing reasons: 1, 2, 3 [3:26 - 3:45] (0:19)
1) Overestimating role of reason in experience of needs [3:45 - 6:34] (2:49)
2) Overgeneralizing distorts your perception of political foes [6:34 - 9:02] (2:28)
3) You and your group experience your needs alike [9:02 - 11:18] (2:16)
Summary [11:18 - 11:36] (0:18)
Next… [11:36 - 11:48] (0:12)
Beyond words12:27
Politics let you generalize your needs as the same as theirs, and leave you disappointed and frustrated when this repeatedly fails to work. After the engaging opener (1:25):

Premature normativity > Overgeneralized reactions > Polarization [1:25 - 2:43] (1:18)
Anakelogical insight into generalizing reactions: 1, 2, 3 [2:43 - 3:04] (0:21)
1) Generalized emotions seek the path of least resistance [3:04 - 5:30] (2:26)
2) All needs sit equal before nature [5:30 - 8:30] (3:00)
3) You don’t know what you don’t know [8:30 - 11:45] (3:15)
Summary [11:45 - 12:09] (0:24)
Next… [12:09 - 12:27] (0:18)
RECAP1:13
Quick summary of this section’s key points and new terms.

More than beliefs
More than reasons
More than words
YOUR CHIEF TAKEAWAY
New terms you learned
Quiz for section 4

Feeling the need11:13
The anakelogy of emotions to understand your need for emotions. After the section and engaging opener (1:18):

The anakelogy of emotions [1:18 - 3:27] (2:09)
The elements of emotions [3:27 - 4:26] (0:59)
1) Emotions include direction [4:26 - 5:41] (1:15)
2) Emotions include intensity [5:41 - 6:54] (1:13)
3) Emotions include duration [6:54 - 8:55] (2:01)
4) Emotions point to an object [8:55 - 10:33] (1:38)
Summary [10:33 - 11:00] (0:27)
Next… [11:00 - 11:13] (0:13)
Sharing those needs10:33
The anakelogy of politics to understand your need for politics. After the engaging opener (0:51):

The anakelogy of politics [0:51 - 1:33] (0:42)
Your need experience funnel [1:33 - 2:33] (1:00)
1) Your core needs [2:33 - 3:29] (0:56)
2) Your resource needs [3:29 - 4:18] (0:49)
3) Your access needs [4:18 - 4:55] (0:37)
4) Your psychosocial needs [4:55 - 9:34] (4:39)
Summary [9:34 - 10:17] (0:43)
Next… [10:17 - 10:33] (0:16)
Expressing shared needs12:00
The anakelogy of polarization to understand your need to oppose the other group. After the engaging opener (0:43):

The anakelogy of polarization [0:43 - 2:50] (2:07)
Your psychosocial need experience [2:50 - 4:18] (1:28)
Your psychosocial imbalance [4:18 - 5:43] (1:25)
Your psychosocial orientation [5:43 - 7:46] (2:03)
Your political orientation [7:46 - 11:05] (3:19)
Summary [11:05 - 11:46] (0:41) Next… [11:46 - 12:00] (0:14)
RECAP2:06
Quick summary of this section’s key points and new terms.

You feel your needs
You share your needs with others
You express shared needs with others
YOUR CHIEF TAKEAWAY
New terms you learned (and new definitions to some familiar words)
Quiz for section 5

Relating to opposing sides11:58
Looking at both sides from the perspective of their legitimate and yet different needs. After the section and engaging opener (1:50):

Origin of Left and Right [1:50 - 3:35] (1:45)
Your social situations [3:35 - 5:24] (1:49)
Your psychosocial bias [5:24 - 7:06] (1:42)
Psychosocial orientation [7:06 - 9:15] (2:09)
Your political orientation [9:15 - 11:17] (2:02)
Summary [11:17 - 11:46] (0:29)
Next… [11:46 - 11:58] (0:12)
Appreciating both sides5:35
Looking at both sides from the perspective of their legitimate and yet different needs. After the engaging opener (1:21):

Depth perception [1:21 - 2:22] (1:01)
Balanced comparison 1 of 4: liberalism or conservatism [2:22 - 3:22] (1:00)
Balanced comparison 2 of 4: high or low human density [3:22 - 3:49] (0:27)
Balanced comparison 3 of 4: life's complexities or predictabilities [3:49 - 4:33] (0:44)
Balanced comparison 4 of 4: liberate or conserve [4:33 - 5:12] (0:39)
Summary [5:12 - 5:26] (0:14)
Next… [5:25 - 5:35] (0:09)
Respecting each other’s needs10:40
See both political sides as equally serving their needs in diverse social situations. After the engaging opener (0:44):

Balanced perspective of competing interests [0:44 - 2:35] (1:51)
Balanced comparison of clashing needs [2:35 - 5:49] (3:14)
Psychosocial orientation supremacy? [5:49 - 6:27] (0:38)
What’s in a name? [6:27 - 7:33] (1:06)
Whose team are you on? [7:33 - 8:49] (1:16)
Beyond political confrontation [8:49 - 10:11] (1:22)
Summary [10:11 - 10:25] (0:14)
Next… [10:25 - 10:40] (0:15)
RECAP2:25
Quick summary of this section’s key points and new terms.

Relating to each other’s specific needs
Appreciating each other’s social situation
Respecting one another’s differing needs
YOUR CHIEF TAKEAWAY
New terms you learned
Quiz for section 6

Beyond believing12:24
Replacing static believing with dynamic relating. After the section and engaging opener (1:01):

Generally speaking [1:01 - 1:57] (0:56)
Static believing or dynamic relating? [1:57 - 3:23] (1:26)
Which best describes you? [3:23 - 5:33] (2:10)
Involved, one way or another [5:33 - 7:13] (1:40)
You and empower politics [7:13 - 10:56] (3:43)
Summary [10:56 - 12:06] (1:10)
Next… [12:06 - 12:24] (0:18)
Beyond moralizing17:10
Replacing normative alienation with impact engaging. After another engaging opener (1:45):

Impact engaging over normative alienation [1:45 - 3:43] (1:58)
1) An engaging Right to an impacted Left [3:43 - 6:06] (2:23)
1) Responding to what they apparently need [6:06 - 8:06] (2:00)
2) An engaging Left to an impacted Right [8:06 - 10:21] (2:15)
2) Responding to what they apparently need [10:21 - 12:20] (1:59)
Replace normative alienation with impact engaging [12:20 - 16:16] (3:56)
Summary [16:16 - 17:00] (0:44)
Next… [17:00 - 17:10] (0:10)
Beyond arguing10:13
Replacing hostile opposition with value framing. After this final engaging opener (1:19):

Introducing value frames [1:19 - 4:15] (2:56)
Value framing example 1: from Left to Right [4:15 - 6:09] (1:54)
Value framing example 2: from Right to Left [6:09 - 7:45] (1:36)
Imagine yourself using value frames [7:45 - 8:45] (1:00)
Summary [8:45 - 9:57] (1:12)
Next… [9:57 - 10:13] (0:16)
RECAP3:05
Quick summary of this section’s key points and new terms.

Relating
Engaging
Valuing
YOUR CONCLUDING TAKEAWAY
New terms you learned
Continuing from here…

Share this depolarizing approach with your local representatives

Ready to utilize a value frame with your local representative? They may wonder where you got this crazy notion. Feel free to send them here.
Do you prefer to contact your local rep by email, snail mail, or by phone? Find the appropriate contact info for your local rep using the link below.
Quiz for section 7

Bonus lecture: Engaging others with empower politics4:33
Ready to apply this stuff? Ready to help us replace toxic politics with a more loving alternative? Ready to spread the love? Then join us in being the change we seek in others. Let’s provide the support and resources we need to empower each other to more fully resolve our needs.

Your turn
To join the trailblazing journey beyond political polarization
Other courses
Other resources
Thank you
Let’s keep in touch

Requirements

This course assumes you have a basic understanding how to use a computer, how to navigate online, and some basic exposure to contemporary political issues.
This course ventures into some heady topics and deep concepts. A background with some exposure to the social sciences will be helpful, but not necessary.
You risk slipping into disappointment if not ready to be open to both sides of the political aisle. Your experience from this course may be enriched if already more disappointment with political polarization and hungering for something far better than the contentious status quo.

Description

Political differences divide us like never before. Or so it seems. Attempts to bridge this growing chasm stubbornly elude us. Until now.

Realize How Political Polarization Promptly Dissolves in an Empowering Love

By putting your needs ahead of ideology.

By valuing your vulnerable needs ahead of hardened political talk.

By affirming the needs in others, inspiring them to affirm your needs in return.

Needs come first

Missing in every previous attempt to explain political differences is the burning priority of your specific but often overlooked needs. Your needs cannot submit to the arguments shaped for the needs of another. So why should theirs agree to your need-shaped reasoning?

Here, respect for your needs, and theirs, come first. Politics afterwards. Here, you finally get to understand how each side experiences opposing needs. Before reasoning can get its foot in the door.

If you lean left, wouldn’t you like to better understand and perhaps appreciate those who lean right?

If you lean right, wouldn’t you like to better understand and perhaps appreciate those who lean left?

Or better understand and appreciate those who lean center, or not at all?

After all, wouldn’t you like others to better understand and appreciate you? Now that’s possible.

With this course, you can finally:

1. Understand the deeper motivations behind political views.

2. Appreciate how political sides can slide into polarized voices.

3. Transform political hostilities into opportunities of mutual value.

Content and overview

You’re introduced to an illuminating definition of politics, which you’ll only find here. This three-part definition provides the structure for the bulk of this course.

Each section after the opener contains three video lectures packed with rich imagery, deep insight, illuminating terms, along with a sprinkling of humor. Each video lecture is further subdivided into segments, which you can find in each video lecture’s description.

These three video lectures are summarized in a following text-based brief RECAP. No need to remember the meaning of those new words, since you get a glossary of these fresh terms in each RECAP. A 3-question quiz then takes you a step deeper into engaging the material.

Along the way, you’re introduced to a brand new academic field, for understanding needs. This opens wide your understanding of political differences, and the tendency to slip into opposing extremes.

You will relate deeper to your own needs, like never before. And relate better to the needs of others. Which may inspire them to relate better to yours, and stop hiding behind a mask of so-called political reasoning.

You will see how dropping your politicized guard, to expose the vulnerability of your inflexible needs, actually opens you to more opportunities to be loved. You’ll see how love, indeed, is the answer.

To top it off, you get a well-established communication format for dissolving divisive politics, which can help you “love thy enemy.” When used effectively, this 3-part tool can convert even hostile opposition into mutual understanding.

You affirm their politically expressed needs
You inspire them to respect your needs
You invite them to mutually respect each other

You learn how to liberate your love for others by expressing your respect for their needs, before insisting any attention to yours. Now wouldn’t you like your political opponents to do that for you?

When you do that for them first, you empower them to do much the same toward you. You will learn from experience how love truly is transformative. Even for the politically polarized.

At the end of this course, you’re invited to join us on this transformative journey. Where we put love ahead of politics. Who knows? We just might make history together.

Ready to get on board? A movement could unfold, and may need you to take your special part.

We’ll hold a seat for ya. See you on the other side.

2019 Update

I created this course with the idea of gaining feedback for a book I started about it, Politics Defused: Moving Beyond Political Polarization. Since publishing this course, I had to pivot. I realized I needed to first write a separate book about anakelogy, the study of need. That book is tentatively titled You NEED This. Perhaps I'll also turn that into a Udemy course. Perhaps I should make the time to remake that intro video.

I see myself creating something so unique and off the beaten path, that I am still learning how to bring these fresh ideas to market in various formats and platforms like Udemy. You deserve to know that what I say in the opening unit, about the Politics Defused book, remains a work in progress for the unforeseeable future. Thank you for your understanding patience.

2020 Update

While I still have yet to complete the book projects, I am focused more on creating value for you. I am packaging the essentials of this course into an interactive spreadsheet. This spreadsheet includes a process to bring this illuminating understanding to politicos (namely your elected officials and media pundits). The idea is for you to share it directly with them, to show them how your political views cannot be reduced to rational choice but stems from an inflexible orientation anchored in your particular priority of needs.

$6,000,000,000+ total will be invested in U.S. elections this year. Why not receive your fair part of it? Share this groundbreaking approach, using this spreadsheet tool I am creating, to entice candidates for office to invest in your transcendence of political polarization. I aim to create another eCourse here to show how to optimize this tool.

Eventually, this spreadsheet tool will segue into a website anyone can use. More on this later, as I build it out. Yeah, I am now staying home and staying safe, to create something amazing for your aspiration to overcome political polarization. All in the name of love. Peace out.

Who this course is for:

General audience, almost. Not well suited for ideologues with low or no awareness for how their needs could differ from others. More for anyone interested in an enlightening explanation for what makes "politics" tick, and why it easily can slide into polarizing extremes.
This course takes a boldly neutral stance on political positions. If you are not ready to see at least some legitimacy in both liberalism and conservatism then this course may not be a good fit for you.

Defusing Polarization: Understanding Divisive Politics

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Facing the problem2 lectures • 6min

Isolating the problem4 lectures • 23min

Defining the problem4 lectures • 26min

Art of generalizing4 lectures • 35min

Agreeably address needs4 lectures • 36min

Different social situations4 lectures • 31min

Defying Polarization4 lectures • 43min

PLUS1 lecture • 5min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: