Finding common ground in a polarized America

In an effort to help bridge the nation's political chasm, the non-profit Braver Angels uses a workshop approach analogous to a marriage counselor, to bring together red and blue. Correspondent Martha Teichner visits Traverse City in Michigan, a battleground state, where participants work to get over their fear of the other side, to find common ground – and even friendship. (Originally broadcast October 16, 2022.)
@BraverAngels

"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.

[michellethompson]

We need to have young people in these groups as well! Perhaps this group could organize college/tech school campus events. Great idea to build common ground, show respect and that we don’t all have to agree to get things done. Kudos to the organizers!

[Romeroglesby]

Respect each other dignity! I strongly believe!

[rich]

Sad to say the people who need this the most won’t be there.

[sumernoel]

😢 That brings tears to my eyes. This is the most difficult part of all this…..that we are becoming enemies. So easily convinced to hate one another or believe the worst of each other. Not seeing each other as neighbors anymore. We must find some humility, give grace, find acceptance & tolerance for people we disagree with, find respect again.

[vinniedoke]

This was such a great piece. Great job!!!!

[reinemarais]

I'd sign up for this. I live in South Africa. In South Africa, our government claims democracy and the rule of law. Nowhere does this happen. Is there anyone interested in coming to South Africa, brutal and lawless as it is, to help us?

[oogrooq]

I would participate. People need to start by listening.

[PDogB]

This was interesting. Since I work within a community organization with a variety of people from different back grounds, religious beliefs, political standings, etc I am acutely aware there are those who may not share common ground, core values, etc. I would be willing to attend a group such as in this video on a casual basis. I find that when things need to get done and we have to work together towards a common goal, that sharing these items can sometimes distract us and interfere with the process. So, we have a policy in place to refrain from doing that. Our goal is to accept people, learn to communicate in positive ways and focus on how well we can work together as a group. Seems to work well for us.

[sjwhite]

I applaud the effort! How do I find out if one of these workshops is coming to my area???

[robertskolimowski]

Hats off to the organisers👏, do hope it inspires more similar projects elsewhere too🤞✌️

[iwilsonjr]

There can only be common ground when one recognizes the other's right to exist and their human dignity.

[methos]

A lot of our divisions are because that’s what we’re choosing to focus on.

[elainekinney]

Please, God, guide our nation, our citizens to come together as fellow countrymen. We have to accept one another for the common good of the nation. Divided we fall!

[rdc]

If you dont compromise you get no where just like our government.

[LR-mhhs]

That's how it's done, America! (Don't let Putin see this, he's counting on Americans tearing each other).

[MartinScreeton]

Went to join... the website is impossible to navigate! So... they need IT department.

[trishr]

Why are they only old people over 50?? Where are the younger voices??

[heirloomcottagedesigns]

I think we are all guilty of getting wrapped up in the two political parties. That’s when the stereotypes start…we have to look at people individually. Of course, after we have, if they stand for violence, then they are wrong, regardless of party.

[brianag]

I know this is possible. I formed a community group in my city to oppose a hugo housing development and we did not work together based on party, and we were a diverse group politically, we did it based on what we thought were problems with the developer’s plans for the site.

[n.d.]

it looks like this group session seemed amicable and went well because *certain types* of people weren't present...