Civic Discussion Meetup

Propaganda is the systematic spread of biased or misleading information, images, or ideas to influence public opinion, shape behavior, or promote a specific political or social agenda. It often relies on emotional appeals, selective facts, or fear, and can be found in political campaigns, advertising, social media, and everyday messaging. Its goal is to shape beliefs or actions through strategic communication—sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly.

In this Civic Discussion Meetup, we’ll explore the tools and techniques of propaganda, from framing and word choice to imagery and repetition, and how they influence the way people think and act. We’ll also examine the ethical questions it raises: When does persuasion cross the line into manipulation? What responsibilities do governments, media, and corporations have in shaping public opinion? And how can citizens critically recognize and respond to propaganda in their daily lives?

This discussion is designed to be thoughtful, evidence-based, and interactive, providing space for participants to explore the power, ethics, and consequences of propaganda in contemporary society.

Why do conversations about politics and social issues so often go off the rails, even when everyone involved has good intentions? In this Civic Discussion Meetup, we’ll explore insights from Hidden Brain’s “Mind Reading 2.0: Why Conversations Go Wrong,” featuring linguist Deborah Tannen. The episode looks at how differences in conversational style—tone, pacing, assumptions, and expectations—can lead to misunderstanding and unintended conflict.

Rather than debating specific political positions, this discussion will focus on how we communicate in civic spaces and why people frequently feel unheard or misinterpreted. We’ll examine how these dynamics contribute to polarization and explore practical ways to have clearer, more productive conversations across ideological and social differences. The goal is to better understand not just what we say in public discourse, but how we say it—and how small shifts in communication can lead to more meaningful dialogue.

Relevant Content:
Mind Reading 2.0: Why Conversations Go Wrong: https://www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/why-conversations-go-wrong/

Nationalism is the belief that a shared national identity and loyalty to one’s country are important. It shapes how people see themselves, how they relate to others, and how societies organize politically and culturally. Nationalism can inspire pride, civic engagement, and collective action—but it can also create tension, exclusion, or conflict when national identity is narrowly defined or politicized.

In this Civic Discussion Meetup, we’ll focus primarily on U.S. nationalism—its history, evolution, and current role in shaping politics, culture, and society. We’ll explore questions such as: How does national pride influence civic participation? When does nationalism unite, and when does it divide? How does it intersect with issues like immigration, diversity, and America’s place in the world?

This discussion is designed to be thoughtful, evidence-based, and open. Participants will have the chance to examine both the benefits and challenges of national identity, and to consider how U.S. nationalism affects the country’s present and future.