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What We've Learned from Listening to America
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Listening is an extremely undervalued resource in this country.
Setup
These journalists have made careers out of asking questions and listening to American voices. Especially over the past year, when we’ve so often been described as deeply and hopelessly divided, what have these keen observers gleaned from thousands of conversations and interactions with individuals around the country? Do they agree with this assessment? What do they find are the best ways to uncover authentic thoughts and feelings beneath oceans of superficial labels and assumptions? What have they been most surprised to learn about what people want from their lives and communities, and how they see our country and the world?
- 2017 Festival
- Society
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Society
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