Presented by CARE (Massey University)
Speaker: Alexander Heffner (United States)
Bloomberg Breaking Bread creator, PBS The Open Mind host, and A Documentary History author Alexander Heffner considers the future of democracy, civil discourse, and civic engagement. Heffner discusses the effects of divisiveness on discourse, campaigns, and governance as well as the influence of new media, dis/misinformation, and filter bubbles that polarize society. In an era of increased hyper-partisanship, bigotry, and geopolitical conflicts, what are possible prescriptions to correct this cycle and preserve shared democratic and human values? How can our social footprint translate into constructive instead of destructive behavior? How can we restore the integrity of public policy and decision-making? What are possible ways to incentivize civil discourse? Drawing upon his experience as a public affairs broadcaster, civic educator, and journalist covering U.S. politics, Alexander Heffner will lead a discussion.
