Review and Response to “How Contempt Destroys Democracy” by Zachary Elwood

I recently had the pleasure of talking with Zachary Elwood, the author of “How Contempt Destroys Democracy” for my show “Impolite Company.” We talked about a range issues around identity, politics, Trump, and disagreeing over politics. You can watch the episode here:

https://youtu.be/N5538hlqJto?si=X30nYHESoN_BsB62

In this post, I want to offer my review and reflection on Elwood’s book. First off, I’d like to say this is well worth the read. And it might be a bit difficult for some folks as well. Elwood has a specific audience in mind — liberals. The basic focus of the book is to talk with a liberal audience about how contempt for “the other side” contributes to the problems that people complain about. Liberals have a responsibility to engage in conversation that focuses on important issues, and to do it in a way that doesn’t dehumanize those they disagree with. That applies to everyone of course.

This focus becomes evident right away when Elwood states: “Regardless of which group in a conflict is more right or wrong, it’s important to first recognize that this is almost always the core objection that gets in the way of people willing to engage in conflict resolution: the belief that the problem is the ‘other side’ and that therefore working on resolving the conflict isn’t ‘our problem.’” (pg. 29). This very notion has been a growing challenge in our political system.

I remember when I first started learning how to do campaigning attending an event where the political commentator Matt Lewis was talking about what he called “the Sir Galahad theory of politics.” That’s the idea that because your campaign, side, argument, etc. is so very right (as in correct), that clearly, it must be the other people who are wrong. If we are ever going to have a healthy political conversation, then the responsibility starts with us, not waiting for someone else to take action. It is our responsibility.

Elwood emphasizes this point by stating “Contemptuous us-versus-them views are contagious.” (Pg. 29). Not only are they contagious, but they are addictive, and they compound the situation. “In short, fear and anger begets more fear and anger. Toxic polarization is a feedback loop…” (pg. 30). He goes on to draw out that feedback loop with a helpful visual showing how it works. There are four parts to the feedback loop (pg. 35):

• We speak about the other side in…