Compassion Transforms Contempt: A Black Dialogue Expert’s Advice for White Progressives on Down-Revving Anger, Creating Connections...and Maybe Changing the World
Compassion Transforms Contempt: A Black Dialogue Expert’s Advice for White Progressives on Down-Revving Anger, Creating Connections...and Maybe Changing the World
Progressives who read Compassion Transforms Contempt will enjoy a digestible handbook packed with concrete tools for making their next political conversation less contentious and more fruitful. Renowned dialogue specialist Dr. David Campt has created a short, practical handbook for white progressives who want to do their part in changing the hearts and minds of right-leaning people on a wide variety of political issues. In addition to detailed guidance on best practices in persuasion, the handbook is sprinkled with wisdom that people of color have accumulated over the centuries about reaching people whose attitudes you want to change.
This new publication by Dr. David Campt explores the fact that strategies for being more persuasive with people with whom you disagree and the strategies for being more compassionate are the exact same communication strategies. The book lays out the science behind these strategies and moreover, gives guidance about how to train oneself in effective dialogue. There are three underlying motivations for undertaking this engagement method:
Political polarization and people who care about political polarization: 81 percent of Americans think the nation is too divided, though most blame the other side. this book will help you bridge the divide.
Progressives who are motivated by winning the election: one reason for reading this book is that a progressive person wants to do their part to talk to the conservatives/trump supporters in their circle of influence, but they want to do so in a way that is effective. This book promotes methods that are also sometimes called "deep canvassing" to change folks' mind through extended conversation. This NY Times article gives an overview of the concept.
Building community in a diverse grouping such as a church or civic group - this book encourages people to see their promotion of compassion as spiritual work. There are a sizable number of folks within liberal-leaning faith groups who believe in progressive change and that compassion should be an over-riding concern.
“This helped me see that the transformation can go many miles if I lead with compassion, vulnerability, and my heart when talking to someone on the other side of the aisle.” – Alex, Public Health Analyst
“This material helps me stay centered when I find myself starting to tip over into frustration, anger, and despair. I love it because it’s so practical, and because I can use these ideas outside of politics. This content reminds me that creating long-term change requires coming from a place of both heart AND strategy.” – Dana Buhl, Social Justice Director, First Unitarian Church, Portland, OR
Founder of The Dialogue Company and author of six books, Dr. David Campt is known in the United States and overseas for his unique facilitation style that combines deep insight, generosity of spirit, humor, and focus on creating personal and community change. He has led meetings where thousands of disaster survivors talked in small groups about rebuilding, he has designed nationally televised meetings on race for the President of the United States, and he has coached thousands of white progressives about how to talk to other whites about racism.