GARDEN CITY, Idaho — Scalding cups of caffeine couldn't even melt the icecaps pulling at the beltloops of 20 even divided Idahoans on opposite ends political polarization.
Braver Angels Idaho Chapter, a subgroup of the larger national nonprofit, hosted their Red/Blue Workshop to promote conversation in place of conflict. The organization was founded by three men after the 2016 presidential election. A marriage counselor by trade, one founder concluded the country's division resembled that of a couple on the verge of divorce.
Braver Angels Idaho Co-Chairs Rob Hanson and Dan Long are pushing for vows to be renewed.
"Maybe It breaks down at that point but maybe a vow of respect and dignity and honesty with each other," Hanson said. "You take the worst that you've seen from the other side, and you apply that to the whole group. On issues that are so complicated and so personal, it's just a total disservice to the issue."
The Red/Blue Workshop separates each side. In the comfort of their own, each group self-imposes stereotypes the believe the other group would find to be true. Each side creates an argument for why these stereotypes are wrong - why these stereotypes are right.
They call it the 'kernel of truth.'
"So, you have to kind of be open to criticism. The stereotyping and the kernel of truth kind of forced us to see things through other people's eyes," Blue participant Patrica Nelson said. "Then you can have that aha moment. It's like, okay, that's why they're seeing us or labeling us this way."
Red participants concluded with four stereotypes holding a common theme: Intolerant, anti-science, anti-environment, heartless.
Blues found their own fault in the following: Baby killers, elitist, socialist, unpatriotic.
Each side gathered to share their results and explain both the faults in the thinking but also acknowledge the truths.
"Yeah, there probably are cases where people use [abortion] as birth control, and our institutions are not that is appropriate," blue team spokesperson Blake said. "We are not for that."
The blue team further admitted a liberal shift in American universities among students, professors, and administration which can be perceived as a form of elitism. Blues also found the disconnect in how they express their patriotism versus their red counterparts; blues believe pushing for change is the desire and belief the country can be better.
"There are some of us who are racist, sexist, and intolerant," Red spokesperson Peter Oliver said. "And maybe we can be a little insensitive. So, we put tough love."
The reds concluded hard work is a proven method to better your life. They hold people to that standard - the same standards they hold to themselves. Skepticism in science is not a rejection of its findings, but a desire to see the same conclusion replicated with consistency to prove its value.
"We don’t just take everything hook, line and sinker," Oliver said. "We question it."
The workshop ends with what the organization calls 'The Fishbowl.' Chairs are organized in two circles; one smaller circle is surrounded by the outer circle. Each side splits time in the center to talk amongst themselves - outsiders can only listen.
A dissenting red in the center brought blue participant Janice Fulkerson to a few tears. The red participant expressed her distaste with firm anti-abortion laws that are not accompanied by sufficient social systems to help women through an unexpected pregnancy.
"She said what I could have said," Fulkerson said. "It was lovely."
Braver Angels is hosting a free virtual workshop titles 'Skills for Disagreeing better' this Thursday at 7 p.m. You can register for this event here.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.