Beyond the Politics of Contempt Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times

By: Doug Teschner, Beth Malow, Becky Robinson

Published by Together Against Differences LLC, 2025-09-09

Are you discouraged by events in our country and the world? Does consuming the news bring you down and leave you wanting to shut it off? Have your relationships with friends or family been negatively affected by politics? Do you feel helpless to do anything about it?

"In Beyond the Politics of Contempt, Teschner, Malow, and Robinson offer nourishment for America's hungry soul. You'll discover, in invitingly bite sized chunks, a cogent analysis of how we became so polarized. Diverse in their politics and rich in expertise, these authors add in generous dollops of storytelling where they examine their own assumptions and biases, often with surprising outcomes. Then, they challenge us with intriguing exercises to explore our own role in today's political dynamic. Take them up on the challenge. Use this book to get together with colleagues or cousins, neighbors or strangers, friends or frenemies, and explore the art of listening to understand."

-Susan Clark, coauthor of Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home

In a climate of widespread contempt and even hatred for people who disagree politically, we can each make important contributions to better our lives, our relationships, and our country. We can stand up for what we believe while also building bridges across the political divide. While many fear for our nation's future, there are practical steps we can each take to build hope for a better America. The book includes:

1. Skills for greater self-awareness of how our reactions to political events and others impact our health and well-being;
2. Practical ways to mend relationships torn apart by politics and to empower yourself and others when difficult conversations arise;
3. Steps to integrate political activism and bridge building; and
4. Actions to rebuild a national culture of kindness, dignity, and respect.