Delta College, Dow, and the Midland County Inclusion Alliance have partnered to host journalist, author, and bridgebuilder Monica Guzmán, who believes that curiosity in conversation can help resolve tensions people are feeling as the election season approaches.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will be on Thursday, April 4, 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the gymnasium at Delta College’s main campus.
Guzmán’s book, "I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times," has been featured in The New York Times, Readers Digest, The Atlantic, and was the required read for incoming freshmen at Stanford Law School. CBS Morning recommends it as a book to read before the 2024 election.
It is touted as a personal guide to communicating with curiosity, learning from personal interactions, and finding common ground with those who have differing political views.
“This will be a great community event for our region, and a chance for us to produce conversations that will benefit all of us in our personal and professional lives,” said Delta President Mike Gavin.
Guzmán describes herself as the “loving liberal daughter of Mexican immigrants who twice voted for Donald Trump." She says when the country could no longer see straight across the political divide, she set out to find what was blinding people.
She examined conversations she witnessed – on social media, in her family, and in public spaces – and determined that even seemingly impossible disagreements can be resolved when people choose to listen to understand. She says being “curious” about other perspectives can bridge divides.
“At this point, everyone is experiencing some level of political tension in their interactions, whether it be at home, in the workplace, or online,” said Kathie Marchlewski, Delta professor of English.
Marchlewski’s composition students have used Guzmán’s book in research-based persuasive projects that sought to find common ground with audiences who could take action and create positive change.
“Students loved Guzmán’s communication strategies and how widely they could be used to understand other positions. They learned how to approach conversations by beginning with questions, open minds, and a genuine desire to understand issues more widely,” Marchlewski said.
In advance of the all-community evening event, Guzmán will visit Delta’s Downtown Midland Center for a series of daytime “Curiosity Chats” with area high school students, college students, and local business and community leaders. There will also be limited opportunities for the public to participate in the daytime events. If you are interested in taking part, contact Marchlewski at kathiemarchlewski@delta.edu.
