I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times

The introduction to I Never Thought of It That Way begins with Mónica Guzmán driving to her parents’ house on Election Day 2020 to watch the results. Her parents, Mexican immigrants who voted for Donald Trump, stand in stark contrast to her own liberal views. Guzmán became a naturalized citizen with her family at 17, and their political differences emerged when she learned of their support for George W. Bush. This discovery led to arguments about welfare policy and their reactions to Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11.

To illustrate the broader impact of political division, Guzmán presents several individuals’ experiences: Sophia lost friendships after switching from supporting Clinton to supporting Trump; Marcus grapples with understanding conservatives while opposing their policies; Eddie feels vilified by liberal media; and Barbara’s family holiday gatherings devolve into political conflicts. These stories exemplify how political differences strain relationships nationwide.

Guzmán explains that, as a journalist, she developed from a hesitant interviewer into someone dedicated to understanding others’ perspectives. She has worked on various projects addressing political polarization and joined the leadership of Braver Angels, an organization focused on reducing political division. Rather than advocating for more information or focusing solely on combating

Unlock all 61 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,700+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App

+ Printable PDF

+ Literary AI Tools

Unlock Full Library