I'm Right and You're an Idiot: The Toxic State of Public Discourse and How to Clean it Up - Softcover

Hoggan, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0865718172 ISBN 13: 9780865718173

Publisher: New Society Publishers, 2016

Synopsis

Clearing the air: reclaiming public discourse in a polluted public square

The most pressing environmental problem we face today is not climate change. It is pollution in the public square, where a 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 I'm Right and You're an Idiot , author and David Suzuki Foundation chair James Hoggan grapples with this critical issue, conducting interviews with outstanding thinkers from the Himalaya to the House of Lords. Drawing on the wisdom of such notables as Thich Nhat Hanh, Noam Chomsky, and the Dalai Lama, his comprehensive analysis explores:

• How trust is undermined and misinformation thrives in today's public dialogue
• Why facts alone fail ― the manipulation of language and the silencing of dissent
• The importance of reframing our arguments with empathy and values to create compelling narratives and spur action.

Our species' greatest survival strategy has always been foresight and the ability to leverage our intelligence to overcome adversity. For too long now this capacity has been threatened by the sorry state of our public discourse. Focusing on proven techniques to foster more powerful and effective communication, I'm Right and You're an Idiot will appeal to readers looking for both deep insights and practical advice.

About this title

Book Description:

Clearing the air: reclaiming public discourse in a polluted public square

From the Back Cover:

Clearing the air - reclaiming public discourse in a polluted public square

Anyone concerned about how civil society can be better informed so decisions can be made for the public's long term interests must read this deeply thoughtful book.
- David Suzuki, science broadcaster and environmental activist

No matter how you view the world, this book can help you learn how to talk about it.
- Evangeline Lilly, author and actor

THE MOST PRESSING problem we face today may not be climate change, but the pollution of the public square, where a smog of propaganda, adversarial rhetoric, and polarization is stifling discussion and debate, creating resistance to change and thwarting our ability to solve our collective problems.

In I'm Right and You're an Idiot , author and David Suzuki Foundation chair James Hoggan grapples with this critical issue, conducting interviews with outstanding thinkers from the Himalaya to the House of Lords. Drawing on the wisdom of such notables as Thich Nhat Hanh, Noam Chomsky, and the Dalai Lama, he reveals the importance of reframing our arguments with empathy and values to create compelling narratives and spur action.

Our species' greatest survival strategy has always been foresight and the ability to leverage our intelligence to overcome adversity. For too long now this capacity has been threatened by the sorry state of our public discourse; I'm Right and You're an Idiot will appeal to readers looking for both deep insights and practical advice.

This book should be required reading for every person engaged in the most polarizing issues of our time - whether it be climate change, healthcare, or global conflicts.
- John Ruffolo, CEO, OMERS Ventures

This is a text which should be thought, not just read, by all who seek reconciliation.
- Professor Tim O'Riordan, OBE DL FBA

James Hoggan is president of the Vancouver PR firm Hoggan & Associates, chair of the David Suzuki Foundation board, and founder of the influential website DeSmogBlog. He has also served as a member of Shell Global's External Review Committee and is author of Climate Cover-Up and Do the Right Thing.

About this edition

• Publisher: New Society Publishers
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0865718172
• ISBN 13: 9780865718173
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272