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From Division to Dialogue: How Curiosity Can Ease Cultural Tension
- Jared Sorber
- Jun 26, 2025
- 3 min read
A Culture of Tension
We live in a time marked by stark polarization—whether political, racial, generational, or ideological. Conversations often feel more like battles than exchanges of ideas. The emotional toll of this division is profound, leading to frustration, fatigue, fear, and apathy in our daily lives and relationships. A 2022 study reported that 73% of U.S. adults felt overwhelmed by the number of global crises, and 87% stated that it seemed like a nonstop stream of crises over the past two years, making it more crucial for us to seek ways to connect (American Psychological Association, 2022).
What if the first step to healing isn't about convincing others of our viewpoints, but rather about nurturing our curiosity?
"Curiosity doesn’t erase differences—it helps us understand the people behind them."
Why We Default to Division
Human psychology often thrives in a world of "us vs. them." This binary thinking creates a comfortable bubble but allows misconceptions to grow. Media and social media platforms can further fuel this divide, often promoting outrage and sensationalism over thoughtful discourse.
When we encounter differing worldviews or cultures, it can feel uncomfortable. Many people instinctively retreat to their familiar environments, reinforcing existing divides. A growing number of Americans seem to interact primarily with those who share their own beliefs, thereby limiting their exposure to diverse perspectives—whether on social media, in their communities, churches, or even within their own families. Instead of bridging differences with curiosity, division has led many to retreat from one another rather than seek understanding.
The Power of Curiosity
Curiosity is more than mere interest; it's a conscious choice to seek understanding rather than push away. It's not about agreeing with others but about being genuinely interested in their perspectives.
Curiosity can humanize those with whom we disagree. It fosters empathy and helps dismantle stereotypes, creating environments for nuanced conversations rather than heated debates. For example, a person who engaged with a vastly different community decided to ask open-ended questions rather than make assumptions. This approach led to discovering common ground and shared experiences that both parties could relate to, transforming a potentially tense conversation into a meaningful exchange.
Practical Ways to Get Curious
Exploring the world with curiosity can be transformative. Here are a few practical steps to foster curiosity in your life:
Ask Better Questions
Shift your inquiries from "How could they believe that?" to "What shaped their view?" This change can facilitate deeper understanding and encourage open dialogue.
Listen to Learn, Not to Win
When engaging in conversations, focus on truly understanding what the other person is saying. Pause before formulating a response, allowing their perspective to fully sink in.
Step into Unfamiliar Spaces
Attend community events or participate in discussions that challenge your views. Reading books from different cultural backgrounds or following creators from diverse perspectives online can expose you to new ideas.
Name Your Discomfort
When discussions get tense, recognize your discomfort. Admitting that it exists, allows you to engage without letting it control the conversation.
Practice Cross-Cultural Empathy
Invest time in understanding someone’s story, background, and motivations. This helps create connections that go beyond mere disagreement, leading to genuine relationships.
Embracing Curiosity for Connection
Choosing curiosity in the face of division is not a passive act; it is a brave and active journey toward building bridges. By striving to understand rather than judge, we create opportunities for dialogue, healing, and connection.
As we navigate this complex world filled with cultural tensions, let’s hold onto the idea that curiosity can lead us toward peace.
What if the path to peace begins with a question?
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American Psychological Association. (2022, March 10). Stress in America™ 2022: In the midst of a crisis, Americans are in survival mode.
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