Course Teaches How to Bridge Political Divides Through Connection

A college course called 'Perception versus Being Together' taught people how to see past 'Us vs. Them' thinking that divides our communities. The course was offered through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Virginia from September to October 2024. It explored how our perceptions of other people can trap us in divisive stories and prevent us from finding common ground. Students learned about how perception works like an optical illusion, making us see others as enemies instead of neighbors. The course used physical activities and exercises to help people connect beyond their different political views. The instructor quoted James Baldwin's ideas about civic love, explaining that real community relationships need more than just rights and politics - they need people to be vulnerable, trusting, and willing to touch and care for each other. The course aimed to help people break free from inherited myths that keep us separated and find ways to work together despite having different opinions.

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