The Three Languages of Politics

Essential reading for understanding that people who might disagree with politically are not evil or stupid, they are just speaking a different political language. This is the guidebook for engaging in civil political discourse without the silly hyperbole and hatred that permeates political discourse within new media. In the book, Kling separates political ideology into three different axes: “oppressors vs. oppressed” progressives, “barbarians vs. civilization” conservatives, and “coercion vs. freedom” libertarians. The point isn’t that any one of these ideologies is correct, it’s that understanding the three languages will help you better understand your own political biases as well as be able to discuss issues without assuming that your opponent is being irrational or dumb.