The Phil Lind Initiative: (Un)civil Discourse
John McWhorter | February 16, 2023 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM (PT) | Frederic Wood Theatre
The United States is polarized like never before. Accompanied by a high degree of negative partisanship and the unchecked spread of misinformation, political violence and uncivil discourse—the use of language which is insulting, contemptuous, and which knowingly misattributes the motives of others—is on the rise. Disillusioned, many Americans wish to restore civility. But how can a civil culture be reimagined in the current era?
This series not only explores some of the major factors fueling the rancor and divisiveness in American politics, but crucially it asks how can citizens and leaders find common ground across a range of political issues that divide them?
The 2023 Phil Lind Initiative series continues on February 16 with John McWhorter— New York Times best-selling author specializing in linguistics and race, host of Lexicon Valley podcast. Read more here
The Phil Lind Initiative is presented by UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the UBC Vancouver campus, with live streaming. Each event is open to the public and free to attend.
