College of Charleston Podcast: Experiencing Conflict
On this episode of "Speaking of ... College of Charleston," we speak with Michael Lee about navigating conflict, especially in the context of the presidential election.
In this episode of Speaking of … College of Charleston, we talk to Michael Lee, professor of communication and director of the Civility Initiative, about conflict.
Conflict is a universal experience, whether it’s debating conspiracy theories, arguing about Tom Brady’s status as the greatest quarterback or bickering about the right way to cook pasta: None of us are immune. Yet most of us are terrified of conflict and ill equipped to navigate difficult conversations.
What’s more, Lee says, conflict is an embodied experience.
“Think about how you feel during a conflict. Your blood pressure is rising, your brain is flooded with what some psychologists call ‘the devil’s cocktail’: the combination of cortisol and adrenaline at the same moment,” he says. “And so, the ways in which we can be mindful of how we show up during that embodied experience and the way it makes us feel can really help us navigate difficult conflicts in our lives.”
At the time of the recording, the election was less than six weeks away, and Lee offers practical tips for navigating difficult conversations, particularly in the context of the election. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy and the embodiment of communication as tools for navigating conflicts, especially in highly polarized environments.
Lee is launching Season Two of his podcast, When We Disagree, which is focused on powerful, human stories about arguments, conflicts and disagreements. Lee’s goal for the guest-driven show is “to have a bunch of people from various walks of life telling a bunch of stories about the conflicts they’ve had, the conflicts they’ve wanted to have and the conflicts they’ve deeply, deeply avoided.”
The Civility Initiative is an outreach effort to educate the public on how to have difficult conversations and be an empathetic listener. Launched in 2023, the the initiative features panels, debates, speakers and workshops that promote communal engagement and healthy disagreement. Below are some of the initiative’s upcoming events.
UNDIVIDE US
Thursday, Oct. 3, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Thaddeus Street Jr. Education Center (25 St. Philip St.), Septima Clark Memorial Auditorium (room 118)
The Civility Initiative and Center for Market Choice will co-host a screening of UNDIVIDE US, a film about polarization and free speech. The film challenges the idea that citizens who disagree are not capable of civil conversation and demonstrates the truth that, even in our differences, the American experiment is still alive and well. Ben Klutsey, executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, stars in this film and will lead a Q&A discussion following the screening.
Polarization in America
Monday, Nov. 11, 6–7:30 p.m.
Sottile Theatre (44 George St.)
The Department of Communication, in partnership with the Civility Initiative, will host a signature event featuring New York Times columnist, Jamelle Bouie. A Q&A with Michael Lee will follow.
Featured on This Episode:
Michael Lee has been an influential figure at the College since 2002, focusing on political communication. His research delves into political branding, identity and strategic communication, earning him numerous awards.
Resources From This episode:
