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Counsel Culture
A four-step program to using grace and space instead of cancelation
Let’s face it. Nobody wants to be told they’re wrong. That their way of thinking is part of the problem. Or that they just don’t get it.
I’ve yet to meet someone who just craves being put down. Or who rushes to self-reflect or make any real changes after being canceled or belittled. From toddlers to grown adults, it just doesn’t work.
Now I’m not talking about whether to cancel avowed racists. I’m not referring to the Proud Boys or the KKK or other radical fringe hate groups which monopolize our headlines but don’t represent most Americans. This isn’t about the January 6 rioters who wanted to hang Mike Pence or kill Nancy Pelosi. They aren’t welcome and need to be canceled.
But for the rest of us, which is most of society, we need to find more productive ways to communicate with people who have different ideas and political views.
My friend Eric was recently complaining how he’s found dating in this political climate extremely difficult. The minute he tells women he voted for Trump, they run for the hills. I tried to explain to him that people who believe Trump is a full-blown racist and misogynist have a tough time accepting as a potential life partner or even friend someone who voted for him. I asked…
