2022-01-22
'On Tyranny’ Democracy Circle Book Club
Everyone and all points of view are welcome. Everyone will be heard to their satisfaction.
WHY
-- We want to support democracy.
-- Authoritarianism and tactics that undermine and destroy democracy are happening in the USA and around the world. At this critical time, voting, the foundation of democracy, is threatened.
-- We will work to develop the Democracy Circle process as a reproducible practice and tool for democracy movements around the world.
HOW
-- We will educate ourselves about steps to take to protect and nurture democracy by holding a 10 week Democracy Circle Book Club.
-- We will read and discuss two chapters a week from the book, ’On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons From the Twentieth Century’ by Timothy Synder
-- We will use a powerful dialogue process (Empathy Circle) that is based in and supports democracy to discuss the issues.
-- We will divide into democracy circles of 4 to 6 participants.
WHEN
-- DATES: Saturdays, January 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar 5, 12, 19, 26
-- TIME: 2 pm – 4pm PST (2hr) (the last 20 min will be for a full group debrief. You do not need to attend that.)
DROP-IN: Attend when you can. No obligation to attend all meetings. Do come on time since the rooms will close once we go into breakout circles.
WHERE: Zoom Room: https://zoom.us/j/9896109339
RECORDING: Circles will be recorded and posted to social media for educational and promotional purposes.
TO PREPARE CHECKLIST
==================
( ) 1. Signup RSVP: http://bit.ly/RSVP-OnTyranny
( ) 2. Obtain a copy of ‘On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons From the Twentieth Century’ by Timothy Synder, $8.00. http://bit.ly/TyrannyBookClub Graphic Edition: https://j.mp/3DWn4H1
( ) 3. Review the HOW TO EMPATHY CIRCLE process http://bit.ly/EC-How
( ) 4. More info contact: EdwinRutsch@gmail.com
SATURDAYS DATES - READ CHAPTERS - VIEW VIDEO
================================================
#1: Jan 22 (Prologue, Ch. 1-2)
. . Meeting #1 Recording: YouTube: https://youtu.be/RtNs4kyKyIg
. .. .. . and Facebook: https://fb.watch/aJHsoEBjRv/
. . LESSON 1: Do not obey in advance - https://youtu.be/9tocssf3w80
. . LESSON 2: Defend institutions - https://youtu.be/BtS3M_paWhI
#2: Jan 29 (Ch. 3-4)
. . Meeting #2 Recording: YouTube: https://youtu.be/0_mtKKyvihE
. . LESSON 3: Beware the one-party state - https://youtu.be/sTtFTo4lJ14
. . LESSON 4: Take responsibility for the face of the world - https://youtu.be/ysCCEuMC6xo
#3: Feb 05 (Ch. 5-6)
. . Meeting #3 Recording: YouTube: https://youtu.be/0vIgxMugPLY
. . LESSON 5: Remember professional ethics - https://youtu.be/F75dhfkXjw8
. . LESSON 6: Be wary of paramilitaries - https://youtu.be/2NUHKa4SFUA
#4: Feb 12 (Ch. 7-8)
. . Meeting #4 Recording: YouTube: https://youtu.be/3IJ23q35qfE
. . LESSON 7: Be reflective if you must be armed - https://youtu.be/-jNOevQIboY
. . LESSON 8: Stand out - https://youtu.be/oxIT54T7N_Y
#5: Feb 19 (Ch. 9-10)
. . LESSON 9: Be kind to our language - https://youtu.be/xi-XQrdpG_o
. . LESSON 10: Believe in truth - https://youtu.be/FdHkkfB_7X0
#6: Feb 26 (Ch.11-12)
. . Meeting #6 Recording: https://youtu.be/6-pX3K6Un7Q
. . LESSON 11: Investigate - https://youtu.be/DLFv-d8AleQ
. . LESSON 12: Make eye contact and small talk - https://youtu.be/j2Ol6ZVDQPU
* #7: Mar 05 (Ch.13-14)
. . World Times:https://j.mp/3DXGpHQ
. . LESSON 13: Practice corporeal politics - https://youtu.be/laRIf1QXYek
. . LESSON 14: Establish a private life - https://youtu.be/Rf-T1vDz63g
* #8: Mar 12 (Ch.15-16)
. . World Times:https://j.mp/3oVcfAJ
. . LESSON 15: Contribute to good causes - https://youtu.be/hEUF5IHuXjI
. . LESSON 16: Learn from peers in other countries - https://youtu.be/CLJihII6P6k
* #9: Mar 19 (Ch.17-18)
. . World Times:https://j.mp/3EWAX9f
. . LESSON 17: Listen for dangerous words - https://youtu.be/znVmAeYV1vM
. . LESSON 18: Be calm when the unthinkable arrives - https://youtu.be/mQ0Ds9K4mi8
* #10: Mar 26 (Ch.19-20)
. . World Times:https://j.mp/326dcxb
. . LESSON 19: Be a patriot - https://youtu.be/LEYD9W8Atmw
. . LESSON 20: Be as courageous as you can. - https://youtu.be/AB0vux9v5s0
LINKS
- - LinkedIn Event: https://j.mp/3oVmyER
- - Facebook Event: https://j.mp/3IQcfKc
- - RSVP: http://bit.ly/RSVP-OnTyranny
See Recordings
LINKS
Description and RSVP: http://bit.ly/RSVP-OnTyranny
LinkedIn Event: https://j.mp/3oVmyER
Facebook Event: https://j.mp/3IQcfKc
WHY
We want to support democracy.
Authoritarianism and tactics that undermine and destroy democracy are happening in the USA and around the world. At this critical time, voting, the foundation of democracy, is threatened.
We will work to develop the Democracy Circle process as a reproducible practice and tool for democracy movements around the world.
Meeting Feedback
Judith Kennedy: Democracy Circle Book Club via the Building a Culture of Empathy group. We broke into groups of 4-5 people. One fellow was from the Netherlands and spoke about their multi-party system. We concluded that the two party system in the U.S. not only isn't representative of multiple viewpoints and experiences, but sets up a good guy/bad guy polarization. Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and the Netherlands were represented in our small group. We followed a protocol to encourage active listening and empathy. All of us are reading the little book, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder. The group is still open.
A guy from Braver Angels was there. It was noted that there needs to be more people of divergent views . I think there were about 25 participants from around the country and a few from the Netherlands. A few people of color . yesterday was the first out of ten meetings . but the downside is it is every Saturday for ten weeks . but not everyone will make all ten well now nine times.
Transcripts
What is the role of mutual empathy in democracy?
Mutual empathy plays a crucial role in strengthening democratic processes and countering political polarization. Research suggests that fostering empathy across partisan lines can have several positive effects on democratic engagement and discourse:
Increased curiosity and understanding: Teaching people about the utility of cross-partisan empathy increases their curiosity about the views of those they disagree with politically1. This curiosity can lead to more accurate representations of outgroup members' views and reduce misperceptions about political opponents1.
Reduced hostility and support for democratic norms: When people learn about the value of empathizing across political differences, they show reduced hostility towards political opponents and increased support for democratic practices5. This can help disrupt processes of political escalation and strengthen commitment to democratic principles1.
Improved civic discourse: Empathy can help people find common ground with those they disagree with and overcome feelings of contempt towards political opponents2. By encouraging individuals to see issues from different perspectives, empathy can foster more constructive and considerate civic discourse.
Development of civic virtues: Empathy can help instill important civic and intellectual virtues such as toleration, open-mindedness, and mutual respect2. These qualities are essential for maintaining a healthy democratic society.
Enhanced problem-solving: By enabling people to listen to and understand those on the other side of the aisle, empathy can help harness the benefits of cognitive diversity in finding solutions that benefit everyone2.
Legitimacy of democratic processes: Empathy is crucial for deliberative democracy, as it aids participants in ideal role-taking and the validation of moral norms8. Without empathizing citizens, deliberative democracy may be reduced to a mere aggregation of individual preferences6.
While empathy alone is not sufficient to solve all challenges in democracy, it serves as a critical foundation for fostering dignity, democratic values, and more robust political engagement3. By choosing empathy, citizens can contribute to a more inclusive and effective democratic process that better fulfills the promise of equal consideration for al
How might Empathy Circles revitalize American democracy?
Empathy Circles could revitalize American democracy by fostering deeper understanding, improving communication across divides, and rebuilding trust among citizens. Here’s how:
1. Bridging Political Divides
Empathy Circles create a structured space where people with differing viewpoints can listen to and understand each other without interruption or debate. By prioritizing active listening, they can reduce polarization and encourage a culture of respectful discourse.
2. Restoring Trust in Institutions & Each Other
Many Americans feel disconnected from political institutions and skeptical of those with differing views. Empathy Circles help rebuild trust by humanizing "the other side," showing that most people have valid concerns, even if their solutions differ.
3. Encouraging Civic Engagement
When people feel heard, they are more likely to engage constructively in democratic processes—voting, community organizing, and policy discussions. Empathy Circles empower participants by giving them a voice in shaping their communities.
4. Reducing Political Hostility
Many political disagreements turn toxic because people assume bad intent from those with opposing views. By practicing deep listening, Empathy Circles shift the focus from winning arguments to understanding motivations, leading to more productive conversations.
5. Creating a Culture of Dialogue Over Division
American democracy has suffered from increasing tribalism. Empathy Circles encourage curiosity over condemnation, showing that it’s possible to hold strong opinions while still valuing others' perspectives.
Would you like to explore how The Empathy Center could integrate Empathy Circles into democratic revitalization efforts?
What is the relationship between Empathy Circles and Authoritarianism?
Empathy Circles and Authoritarianism are fundamentally opposed in their core principles. Here’s how they relate:
1. Empathy Circles as a Counter to Authoritarianism
Empathy Circles foster open dialogue, active listening, and mutual understanding—values that challenge authoritarian tendencies. Authoritarianism thrives on hierarchy, obedience, and suppression of dissent, while Empathy Circles encourage horizontal communication, emotional connection, and shared power.
2. Psychological and Social Impact
Empathy Circles promote psychological safety: Participants feel heard and valued, reducing fear and submission—key emotions that authoritarian leaders exploit.
They build critical thinking: By listening to diverse perspectives, participants develop cognitive flexibility, making them less susceptible to authoritarian propaganda or black-and-white thinking.
They strengthen community bonds: Authoritarianism often relies on division and scapegoating, whereas Empathy Circles cultivate trust and social cohesion.
3. Resistance to Authoritarian Control
In societies with authoritarian tendencies, Empathy Circles can serve as a grassroots form of resistance by:
Creating spaces where people can express themselves freely without fear.
Encouraging collaboration instead of top-down control.
Humanizing perceived "opponents," reducing polarization and manipulation.
4. Challenges and Risks
Authoritarian regimes may suppress empathy-building efforts: Open dialogue can be seen as a threat.
People conditioned to authoritarian thinking may resist participation: Some may find the process uncomfortable or unnecessary.
Empathy itself can be manipulated: Authoritarian figures sometimes use selective empathy (e.g., only for their in-group) to justify control.