Why we need to find common ground to save democracy | Professor Keith Magee | TEDxLondon

‘I believe in you, just as you are,’ begins Professor Keith Magee in this talk on society, polarisation and democracy. With warmth, welcome and humour, Keith shares why he believes despite our differences, it’s possible for all of us to find common ground. He believes that democracy only functions if we can come together, disagree and still find an abiding empathy for each other. But in the era of tribalism and growing polarisation, it’s difficult to act with empathy and compassion, and it’s a skill we must practise. So with democracy more at risk than ever, Keith argues it’s time to stop waiting for politicians to help unify us. Instead, he invites us to use empathy and courage to build relationships and common ground with those you disagree with. Keith is a public intellectual whose career spans over three decades in public policy, public
affairs and public theology all leading to social justice. He holds academic posts at UCL and Newcastle University and served as the senior religious affairs advisor with the Obama for America campaigns and Biden-Harris campaign. Keith is also Chair of The Guardian Foundation, Commissioner on Diversity in the Public Realm for London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Board Co-Chair of the Endowment Committee for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and serves on the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx