Organizational communication is the backbone of any organization; a network of dialogue, trust, and exchange of meaning that keeps the flow of decision, coordination, and motivation alive. The clearer and more humane this communication is, the more cohesive, agile, and creative the organization will be. Vice President of Corporate Communications, Tapsi 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 ...

Core Message - Bridge USA's mission is to empower young people to bridge their differences over politics through constructive dialogue [1][5] - The organization has 95 chapters across college campuses and is seeing active engagement in discourse [5] - A new counterculture is emerging on America's college campuses that stands firmly against intolerance and believes in curiosity [7] - Dialogue and conversation are becoming the underdog, suggesting a shift in societal values [15] Dialogue & Democracy - Open dialogue is essential for a functioning democracy [6] - The inability to talk to each other could lead to societal breakdown, referencing the American Civil War [16] - Violence is likened to poison gas, emphasizing its uncontrollable and harmful effects [12] Challenges & Solutions - Social media can be a barrier to open dialogue due to the "tyranny of the loudest voices" [9] - Reinstating trust is critical for fostering conversation [10] - The American people are ready for dialogue and are exhausted by conflict, with young people leading the way [8]

Core Argument - Food serves as a powerful medium for dialogue, empathy, and understanding across cultural and social divides [1][2][3][6][8][29][31] - Food can reveal inequalities, power dynamics, historical contexts, and political influences [3][4][10][21][26][30] - Examining the history and meaning embedded within food necessitates active listening and respect for diverse perspectives [22][23][28][29] Food & Culture - Sharing food fosters inclusion, welcomes interaction, and facilitates exploration of personal and collective identities [8][9][29] - Food traditions are often strongly valued within families and communities, connecting generations and preserving cultural heritage [6][7][8] - Food can be used to assert one's place in the culinary world and tell stories of hardship, exclusion, and resilience [27][28] Case Study: Spam Musubi - Spam musubi in Hawaii embodies a complex history of war, colonialism, immigration, and cultural adaptation [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] - The dish reflects the influence of the US military, Japanese laborers, the sugar industry, and the annexation of Hawaii [14][15][17][19][20][21] - Analyzing the components of spam musubi reveals the political story and the ways communities integrate foreign foods [21][22] Food & Social Justice - A deeper understanding of food involves recognizing the structures of inequality and exclusion associated with it [24][26][28][30] - It is crucial to acknowledge the contributions and struggles of immigrants and other marginalized groups in shaping food cultures [24][25][26][27][28] - Engaging with food requires confronting complicity in negative histories and forging new bonds of understanding [30]

Political Relations - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will urge Donald Trump to restart the deadlocked talks with North Korea [1]

Main Argument - Humanizing adversaries is not just compassion, but moral strength, crucial in conflict and rebuilding [1] - Cultural empathy and understanding are vital for effective international cooperation and a positive global image [4][8] - Misunderstandings stemming from a lack of cultural awareness can be detrimental to national security and alliances [1][2] Cultural Context and Communication - Culture shapes perspectives and decisions, impacting military and diplomatic operations [1] - Language, especially high-context languages like Arabic, relies on historical and cultural references [1] - US service members should adapt to partners' historical narratives to prevent miscommunication [1] Impact of Misunderstanding - Anti-American sentiment is fueled by the perception that the West is outdated and lacks understanding [1] - Dehumanizing language and propaganda can incite hatred and undermine peace prospects [1] - A lack of empathy can lead to mistreatment and poor decision-making [4] Strategic Advantage - Empathy allows for de-escalation and dialogue, leading to peaceful solutions [11][12] - Cultural awareness should match the US's global presence, operating in 40% of the world's nations [7] - Developing cultural empathy is a strategic imperative for strengthening relationships and reducing conflict [8][9]

Quietly, after a long hiatus, dialogue about the South Atlantic has restarted between the two defence ministries. There are several reasons to believe a new arrangement is possible https://t.co/zyOdTldvuC ...