Page 255 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6
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“I find it disrespectful when people say bad things about the other group or insult people
because they believe in X.”
“I feel disrespected when they say, “you must support ” or “you must believe
”.
“I would feel more respected if people just didn’t assume.”
“As a lobbyist and Evangelical Christian people make assumptions about me.”
“In today’s political climate with Donald Trump I often feel disrespected. Because I’m a
republican people judge me as a person.”
Overall, participants collectively relayed that listening is key to having meaningful
interactions, as well as progress in understanding other groups and opinions.
Question Round Two: “What motivates you and what holds you back from building relationships
across political divides?”
2.1 Motivations: learning, the future
When discussing building relationships across political divides, overwhelmingly,
participants shared that they were motivated by learning something new, building relationships,
tearing down bridges and looking towards the future. Participants talked new generations doing
something different, in order to “get things done,” and to ensure that our country “has a bright
future” as well. Other participants noted that they are motivated by avoiding boredom and connecting
with humanity.
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