Week 13 Discussion: How Can We Bridge the Difference That Divide Us?

For this week, you've read the following selections from our textbook:



Blanda, Sean. "The 'Other Side' Is Not Dumb" (212-218)

boyd, danah. "Why America Is Self-Segregating" (219)

Vance, J.D. Hillbilly Elegy (251-268)



From very different perspectives, each of these writers examines the ways in which Americans fail to see, hear, or understand different viewpoints. While critical thinking, rather than heated emotion, could help to bridge some of these divisions, the sources of the problem must also be considered.



Blanda argues that we engage in "false-consensus bias," boyd (she does not capitalize her name) suggests that we aren't willing to work to achieve true diversity, and Vance draws upon his own background to explain why he thinks economics limits optimism and changes social perspectives.



Focus on any one of these three writers (Blanda, boyd, or Vance). First, using the claim + evidence + explanation structure, explain how the writer you've chosen reveals one or more reasons for the dividing lines currently present in America today. (Note: this is not a political debate, and you should not discuss politics at all -- focus on the authors and their arguments). Then, assess what you think of the writer's ideas, evidence, or experiences. Is his or her argument convincing? Why or why not?



Response posts should also follow the claim + evidence + explanation structure, including quotation used as evidence.