We are increasingly identifying with our political associations, noted Hagar Hajjar Chemali, YouTube Host and Creator, Oh My World! and Concordia Advisor, causing detrimental effects on society. John Gable, CEO of AllSides, explained that when we only hear one point of view we become more extreme. Media has exacerbated the chaos but people now understand there is a problem that needs urgent solutions.
Turning to Concordia, Chemali asked Nicholas Logothetis, Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board of Concordia, and Matthew Swift, Co-Founder & CEO of Concordia, to explain how they foster cross-collaboration and remain nonpartisan. Logothetis noted that he and Swift were determined to discuss both sides of the story. Swift said it is increasingly difficult to do so in the face of today’s divided politics, but it is crucial to not get distracted by the trends of the moment.
Gable noted the importance of listening to each other and discovering our common humanity. When we get people to connect through technology, they can accidentally discover the humanity of the other. When that happens, dialogue makes a dramatic change. Looking at the media, Logothetis reminisced about working at a news agency and realizing how driven by ratings the media is. Swift concurred and decried the tendency to editorialize rather than act as dispassionate journalists.
Finally, Chemali asked the panelists to provide tips for what is always a political challenge–the family Thanksgiving dinner. Gable recommended that people simply listen and try to recognize humanity. Swift concurred and encouraged active listening.
“Back when I was a civil servant, it was very normal not to have a political bent when you worked in the government.”
Hagar Hajjar Chemali, YouTube Host and Creator, Oh My World!; Concordia Advisor
“We are wired to connect and find our common humanity. We just have to create a space for people to do that.”
John Gable, CEO, AllSides
“If we’re talking about something political, we’re talking about it from both sides. If we’re not talking about something political, there’s not a political angle to it.”
Nicholas Logothetis, Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board, Concordia
“We stay in our lane, we stick to our principles no matter what is happening around us.”
Matthew Swift, Co-Founder & CEO, Concordia
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