Common Knowledge

The Things That Divide Us

Whether it’s a discussion in a college classroom or an argument around the Thanksgiving table, divisions in our society seem both more apparent and more intractable than ever before. Yet, even as divisions grow, we struggle with addressing these societal fault lines in productive ways. In this episode, Carr and Prerna talk about the moral and historical roots of current political and religious divides in American life and on college campuses and how people can rethink the paradigm around seemingly unresolvable disagreements.

Where Do We Find a Communal Bond?

What bonds us together? In the present day, even when addressing issues meant to bring us together like interfaith cooperation, spaces and ideas of genuine unity can be hard to find. On this episode of Common Knowledge, Carr and Prerna discuss how two distinctive things—public schools and the food we eat—offer us examples of how genuine bonds can be formed even among stark difference.

What is Leadership?

When you think of a leader, what image comes to mind? On this episode of Common Knowledge, Prerna and Carr discuss the idea of leadership in an increasingly diverse America. From civic activism spurred by natural and man-made disasters, to new theories of leadership inspired by a mix of personal spirituality and societal change, our hosts examine the aspects and qualities of a new generation of leaders.

Identity: Moving Through the World in Challenging Times

This past year, how we identify ourselves has been contested, challenged, and redefined by events and social movements. To start the new season of Common Knowledge, Prerna and Carr talk about the changing concept of identity. They share intimate examples of how their own identities have morphed over the past year and touch on everything from Hindu mommy bloggers to the surprisingly compelling language of sympathy cards.

The Case for Pluralism in a Divided Democracy

We live in a religiously diverse democracy, yet our country today seems frustratingly polarized around lines of difference and not connection. This month’s episode of Common Knowledge features a speech from IFYC president and founder, Eboo Patel, tackling this issue head on. Given in the aftermath of the 2016 election, Eboo offers his thoughts on how pluralism and interfaith cooperation can be a spur to social action and offers a vision for how to engage, not vilify, our differences.