Reframing Me
So many prepare us for the transition to motherhood, but no one prepares us for how hard the transition out is, and once our kids become teens, it also can feel very solitary. The issues we face with teens are often ones we need to talk about, yet feel we can't or shouldn't. Together, we can create a community of women who, faced with growing children and changing families, are relearning how to mom, and relearning who they are as women. Grounded in family communication theory, join Dr. Jennifer Brubaker to have those conversations to help you better understand this new chapter of your life. Episodes focus on both family communication with our teens and reflection and self discovery. Dr. Brubaker has her Ph.D in Communication Studies and is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she has taught for 17 years. Prior to UNCW, she taught at The Ohio State University, Kent State University and the University of Toledo. Originally from Ohio, Jen lives in Wilmington, NC, with her husband, three children, three dogs, cat and a menagerie of small animals. She loves spending time with her family, traveling and all things fitness, sports and wellness. Reach out with your questions, issues or experiences to begin the conversation. Or reach out to say hi and let me know you’re listening :) Join the Reframing Me: The Podcast Community Facebook group to connect with others who are looking to relearn how to parent, now that their kids are teens, and rediscover who they are as women, beyond the framework of motherhood. Send emails to jen@reframing-me.com; or on socials: Reframing Me on FacebookAND join the Facebook group Reframing Me: The Podcast Community; @reframingme on Instagram; Reframing Me on YouTube @reframingme on TikTok
Reframing Me
Reframing the Conversation Part 5: Communicating with Political Extremists
Thank you for being here for this important and timely conversation! Part 5 delves into the development of extreme political beliefs and the impact they have on personal relationships, particularly within families. It explores the roots of political extremism, including social alienation, emotional appeals, and the "us versus them" mindset. These factors often drive individuals to adopt extreme views, which are further fueled by disinformation, conspiracy theories, and the influence of charismatic leaders.
Political extremism is marked by a rigid worldview that rejects compromise and sees opponents as enemies. This episode explains how social identity theory plays a role, with extremists deriving a sense of belonging and moral superiority from their political affiliations. This makes them more likely to dehumanize others and justify harmful actions.
Social media, with its algorithms designed to create echo chambers, is a major factor in amplifying extremism by continuously reinforcing existing beliefs. Disinformation and conspiracy theories further radicalize individuals, deepening polarization and resistance to opposing viewpoints.
The episode also offers strategies for communicating with political extremists in families. Key approaches include active listening, empathy, avoiding direct confrontation, and focusing on shared values. Gradually introducing factual information, respecting autonomy, and setting boundaries are also emphasized as effective ways to engage without escalating conflict.
Ultimately, the goal is not to immediately change an extremist's mind but to create an environment where open dialogue is possible, helping to preserve relationships despite deeply ingrained differences.
Dr. Jennifer Brubaker is a professor of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and teaches and publishes in both Family Communication and Political Communication. “Reframing the Conversation” is a six-part series that focuses on addressing the challenges that families face in communicating across political divides. It explores the psychology behind political polarization and examines how society has reached this point of division. The series emphasizes using strategies like empathy, active listening, and finding common ground to foster healthier conversations and mend complicated relationships. By reframing the way political and family discussions are approached, individuals can work towards reconnecting despite their differences and strengthening their relationships.
Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingme
I hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!
