Opinion: Zoom Out for The Larger Story

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In a recent strategy meeting for his community project 'Project Civility', the author realized that his use of the term 'common ground' was being interpreted by some as a call to compromise one's convictions. He now proposes a new framing of 'The Larger Story' - the idea that while we may disagree on specific issues, we share many other aspects of community life that should not be overshadowed by those disagreements.

Why it matters

In an increasingly polarized society, finding ways to maintain community cohesion and civility despite political or ideological differences is crucial. The author's reframing of 'common ground' as 'The Larger Story' offers a perspective that acknowledges the validity of differing views while emphasizing our shared humanity and collective interests.

The details

The author explains that 'common ground' can sometimes be interpreted as a call to compromise one's convictions, which is not the intent behind his community project 'Project Civility'. Instead, he proposes the concept of 'The Larger Story' - the idea that while we may disagree on specific issues, we share many other aspects of community life that should not be overshadowed by those disagreements. This means acknowledging that a person is more than just their opinion on a single issue, and looking for the ways our lives overlap beyond our areas of disagreement.

• The author recently had this realization during a strategy meeting for 'Project Civility'.
• For a couple of years now, the author has championed 'seeking common ground' as a pillar of a healthy community.

What’s next

The author plans to continue promoting his new framing of 'The Larger Story' as a way to maintain community cohesion and civility in the face of political and ideological differences.