Original version

BBC World Service News Internet

The Documentary

Documentaries

Factual

Investigating global developments, issues and affairs.

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

The Documentary: Disagreeing better

Anti-Trump v Pro-Trump

22/01/2020 GMT

Disagreeing better

BBC World Service - The Documentary, Disagreeing better

Why do we hold our opponents in contempt?

Why do we hold our opponents in contempt? Former British politician Douglas Alexander believes that disagreement is good - it is how the best arguments get refined. But, today, public discourse has become so ill-tempered, snide and lacking in respect that we are no longer engaged in a battle of ideas but a slanging match. He talks to people with personal tales about how we might all raise our game and disagree better, among them a relationship counsellor, an ex-soldier, a peace broker and a foster mother. Their tips? Civility is not enough. And knowledge is essential, as well as radical honesty, fierce intimacy and openness. So, dial down the rhetoric, rein in the insults - they will persuade no-one that your opinion is worth listening to - and pay attention.

(Photo: An anti-Trump protester (L) argues with Trump supporter Alex Carillo near the president's fundraiser in Beverly Hills. Credit: Kyle Grillot/AFP/Getty Images)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Documentary

Disagreeing better

Genres

Brand

BBC World Service News Internet

About BBC World Service