The Danger of Silencing Dissent

Dr. Sandra Bloom and Sarah Yanosy explain the consequences of communities and organizations under stress, noting an incapacity for long-term learning and knowledge integration. They discuss the power of confirmation bias to lead to extremism, often creating group polarization through effectively discouraging or silencing dissent. As a result, decision making and problem analysis deteriorate significantly. The hosts conclude with the distinction between debate and dialogue and their inherent connection to dissent and racial inequality. They reiterate the relationship between trauma informed and anti-racism work, noting the powerful link between groups that welcome dissent and those that challenge white supremacy.