An urgent examination of self-silencing culture and the toxic impact of groupthink, by the author of Divergent Mind and founder of The Neurodiversity Project. Nerenberg empowers readers with tools to understand the mind and navigate an increasingly polarized world, from campuses and workplaces, to the media and beyond. Connected across geography and culture via the internet, the world is both a vast, limitless landscape and an ever-shrinking echo chamber. Communication, especially discourse over free speech, is becoming increasingly divisive; one person''s right to speak comes into conflict with another seeking to prevent harm. Our tolerance for differing opinions is also narrowing: A "wrong" remark or comment, no matter how seemingly innocent, can result in banishment Contradictory ideas spark hysteria and backlash--what is referred to as "cancel culture." Polarization affects everyone of us--among friends and families, workplaces and communities--and threatens the fabric of society In this timely book, Jenara Nerenberg analyzes this phenomenon of "self-silencing," asking potent questions about how harmful groupthink has become accepted. Applying her expertise in journalism, psychology, and public health, she digs deep into urgent problems that are worsening under a culture of self-censorship, including loneliness, isolation, and polarization. But there is hope. Nerenberg offers insights for how to identify and escape groupthink and transform fear into empathy, allowing space for authentic communication that reduces--rather than causes--harm to others.

Autorentext

Jenara Nerenberg lectures widely on psychology, rhetoric, and diversity of thought. She is the founder of The Neurodiversity Project and The Interracial Project, and her work has appeared on NPR, CNN, and the BBC, as well as in Fast Company, Time, Greater Good, and elsewhere. A graduate of Harvard University and UC Berkeley, she speaks internationally at universities, libraries, and organizations with a focus on critical thinking, debate, and overcoming self-censorship.