http://www.ncreview.com/ 2696-1178 http://www.ncreview.com/activisism/splitting-america-how-politicians-super-pacs-and-the-news-media-mirror-high-conflict-divorce With divorce at all time highs and civility in politics at all time lows, I don't know what is more dispiriting - the alienating effect of high conflict on children or on voters. The parallels that the authors draw are striking and speak to the heart of a deep malaise in our society. War-like language permeates every aspect of our lives and raises the anxiety level of the whole populace. It is no wonder that there are more handguns in the US than there are people! Candidates keep the pot simmering so they can come across as the hero who can save the day. When listening to political discourse and media coverage, identifying narcissistic and high conflict behavior is not that difficult. Eddy and Saposnek suggest two litmus tests. Ask yourself, 1) "Is this really a crisis?" and 2) "Is this really a hero?" While one can justifiably point a finger at the other side, irrespective of one's politics, that's not going to help turn the situation around. What will help is discernment. Stirring up fear and suspicion keeps media viewers and campaign contributors coming back, and if it also generates anger and hatred, well, that's show biz. It is up to us to buy into it or not. It is up to us as voters to demand honesty and civility of those we vote into office. The authors offer some suggestions on how to reframe the debate using EAR - statements that reflect Empathy, Attention and Respect - and BIFF - responses that are Brief, Informative, Friendly and Firm. They call on politicians and media to return to self-imposed limits on high conflict rhetoric, and for a return of campaign disclosure laws. They point out that the Citizens United ruling of 2010 that led to the formation of Super PACs destroyed all vestiges of accountability and restraint in political advertising. Are the authors confident of the future? Not really. They suggest it will get worse before it gets better, but at least by articulating the problem in this way, we might be more inspired to be the change we want to see and demand change in our institutions. ]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2012 22:45:58 -0700