36 pages • 1 hour read
Brené BrownA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
The second element of true belonging practice requires 1) recognizing when debates or discussions have become emotionally grounded, zero-sum choices and 2) returning these conversations to a factually grounded, civil discourse. According to Princeton professor Harry Frankfurt, there are three elements to the modern usage of bullshit. While lying is used to defy truth, bullshitting is used to dismiss truth, particularly when speakers discuss topics they don’t fully understand or when individuals doubt or give up on the “notion of objective inquiry” (91). In Brown’s research, participants expressed frustration with maintaining authenticity and integrity in the face of “the ‘you’re either with us or against us’ argument” (92).
Brown notes that arguments framed as an either/or choice are a common appeal used during “times of significant emotional stress” in order to highlight the fact that “neutrality is dangerous” to the topic at hand (92). However, as she points out, the real danger is when these arguments are “not based in facts” and take advantage of “fears of not belonging or being seen as wrong or part of the problem” (93). These arguments effectively “force people to take sides” and shut down alternatives (93), thereby benefitting the person or group proposing the false choice.
By Brené Brown
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
Brené Brown
Dare to Lead
Brené Brown
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
Brené Brown
Rising Strong
Brené Brown
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
Brené Brown
You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience
Brené Brown, Tarana Burke