I'm Right and You're an Idiot - 2nd Edition: The Toxic State of Public Discourse How to Clean it Up in Bloomington, MN

“Explor[es] the underlying history and psychology of public discourse . . . should be required reading for politicians and public advocates.” —
Real Change
The most pressing problem we face today is not climate change. It is pollution in the public square, where a toxic smog of adversarial rhetoric, propaganda, and polarization stifles discussion and debate, creating resistance to change and thwarting our ability to solve our collective problems.
In this second edition of
I’m Right and You’re an Idiot
, James Hoggan grapples with this critical issue, through interviews with outstanding thinkers and drawing on wisdom from highly regarded public figures. Featuring a new, radically revised prologue, afterword, and a new chapter addressing the changes in the public discourse since the 2016 US election, his comprehensive analysis explores:
How political will is manipulated
How tribalism shuts down open-minded thinking, undermines trust, and helps misinformation thrive
Why facts alone fail and how language is manipulated and dissent silenced
The importance of dialogue, empathy, and pluralistic narrative reframing arguments to create compelling narratives and spur action.
Our species’ greatest survival strategy has always been foresight and the ability to leverage intelligence to overcome adversity. For too long now this capacity has been threatened by the sorry state of public discourse. Focusing on proven techniques to foster more powerful and effective communication,
will appeal to readers looking for deep insights and practical advice in these troubling times.
“This is a must-read for anyone tired of the bullying, the propagandizing, the screaming, and the bullsh*t.” —Dr. Samantha Nutt, author of
Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies and Aid