John Zhang

Media @buildersmvt Previously: @60SecDocs @INDM @DanceOn @LiveNation @NickelodeonTV @MTV Interested in Digital, Content, Marketing, Media

[Daniel Lubetzky @DanielLubetzky]

On Presidents’ Day, and every day, in the United States we remember elected representatives are here to serve the people, and the people need to lean into their power and responsibility to lead by example. We tend to expect too much from others. The truth is politicians follow our cues, and we set the tone.

Hopefully our politicians will inspire us as Builders. But regardless, we need to recognize our duty to act as leaders and Builders ourselves: solving problems together rather than tearing each other apart. 

Social media has divided us like never before, drawing lines between people with different beliefs without even offering to hear other points of view. We have built echo chambers where our opinions are affirmed and called truth.

We have to break out of that. We need to Build. Together. Now and every day.

#PresidentsDay @BuildersMvt

[Daniel Lubetzky @DanielLubetzky]

When resentful or hateful bullies get in your way, channel their anger to get stronger and Build A Better World.

I want to acknowledge the meaningful work Blue Square Alliance does for the Jewish community and the world. Their Super Bowl ad sparked our idea for the Builder’s version. Don’t just confront hate. Let it fuel you. Rise above it. Build inventions, schools, jobs, and bridges.

Hate is loud, but Builders are stronger. @BuildersMvt

#BeABuilder #SuperBowl

[Rob Feld @iamRobFeld]

So happy to have my film, “Jesters and Fools,” support this great lineup of comedians on April 30th at @GothamComedy! Come share a laugh for free speech and depolarization https://t.co/vrLTmghVBQ. @ncacensorship

[Cato Institute @CatoInstitute]

"Most people are just not your enemy. If we show a little grace, forgiveness, and humility, we can find common ground. But if it's us vs. them, we're in trouble." — @iamRobFeld

[Daniel Lubetzky @DanielLubetzky]

What if a horseshoe could reveal the biggest threat to democracy?

Learn more: @BuildersMvt #BuildersMovement

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

Yes, a White House Press Secretary and Fox News correspondent can get along.

This moment captures the nuanced nature of our political landscape: after years of heated exchanges, Karine Jean-Pierre and Peter Doocy share an unexpectedly warm farewell. In their brief, lighthearted interaction, they demonstrate that it’s possible to challenge someone’s views with conviction while remaining professional and even sharing a laugh.

Their parting words serve as a powerful reminder that the individuals we often view as adversaries are, in fact, human too. Whether on the front lines of heated debates or simply navigating everyday conversations, there is always room for compassion and humor.

@PressSec @pdoocy

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

A rare moment of bipartisanship…

A moment like this reminds us that, despite our political differences, our shared humanity and professionalism should always be at the forefront. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s (D-IL) heartfelt thank you to Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) for his support when she faced challenges as a new mother in the Senate exemplifies the power of kindness, collaboration, and empathy.

In a time when bipartisanship often feels elusive, this simple act of understanding and support shows us that we can come together, not just as politicians, but as people who genuinely care about one another. More of this, please. 🙏

@SenDuckworth @SenMarcoRubio

[Mike Robbins @mikedrobbins]

This #TED talk by Daniel Lubetzky, Why the world needs more builders — and less "us vs. them," has really helped and inspired me, especially this past week or so - https://t.co/em29fApn2W

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

We looked back at the Romney vs. Obama and Bush vs. Gore presidential debates...

Sometimes, when we share content reflecting on more respectful political moments, we're seen as naive, or engaging in trivial "kumbaya" messaging or tone policing.

But insults and dehumanizing language aren’t just words. They’re symptoms — and contributors — to more dangerous outcomes. Jim Taylor wrote this piece in 2009 about how, as he saw it, “civility was dead.” (again, 2009!):

“Civility is about something far more important than how people comport themselves with others. Rather, civility is an expression of a fundamental understanding and respect for the laws, rules, and norms (written and implicit) that guide its citizens in understanding what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior… For a society to function, people must be willing to accept those strictures. Though still in the distance, the loss of civility is a step toward anarchy, where anything goes; you can say or do anything, regardless of their consequences.”

And we’d add that insults and threats are often used to stoke fear and anger across the political spectrum, which can ultimately lead to restrictions on freedoms and unconstitutional actions.

The words we choose matter more than we realize. They’re powerful tools that can either promote healthier, more constructive engagement — or erode the very norms that hold us together.

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

Why The Heineken Beer Ad was so effective.

From @jayvanbavel: Deprogramming the Partisan Brain - Debate Without Hate: 2024 Elections Podcast

Subscribe and listen to the full podcast:  https://t.co/Yg3T80RET7

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

A depolarizing beer ad?

One of the most efficient depolarization tools we know of is a 2017 Heineken beer commercial, according to many researchers who study how we may reduce political animosity.

In 2021, Stanford University held a Strengthening Democracy Challenge asking for content that might reduce political animosity. They got more than 250 submissions. Of all the interventions studied, Stanford found this ad was the most effective in the “reducing partisan animosity” category.

Criticism? You’re not alone. Read before rage. More on The Feed: https://t.co/AxIdEtvILL

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

The movie Civil War comes out tomorrow. We asked two political violence researchers, @SeanJWestwood and Thomas @Zeitzoff, for their thoughts on the likelihood of civil war in America.

https://t.co/eH1k9eJkQy

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

When @PhilRosenthal went looking for one Republican and Democrat to share a meal with him, ALMOST everyone refused…

Until @BrianFitzUSA (R-PA) and Secretary of Transportation @PeteButtigieg (D) accepted the invitation. Both agreed on the biggest issue America faces today.

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

Shifting our culture happens from the bottom up.

Let’s do it.

Read it from top to bottom to get one message…

Then try reading from bottom to top and get another.

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

“I have a dream…” The legacy lives on.

Sixty years ago today, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington.

Dr. King’s dream was a call to action for social justice and equality.

Today, his daughter Bernice King, CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, continues to fight against injustice through education, training, and advocating for the philosophy of nonviolence.

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

While Tennessee lawmakers adjourn until Monday in the midst of a long-awaited special session on public safety, a group of a dozen Tennesseans refuse to let the issue sleep this weekend, convening in Franklin to explore consensus on gun rights and safety.

Hosted by @startswithus and @ConvergenceCtr, citizens from across the state with different points of view have already started digging deep into their experiences with the issue as they kick off three days of deliberative dialogue and problem-solving.

This process highlights what’s possible when people work across divides to solve our toughest problems.

[Builders @BuildersMvt]

What values do Americans share regardless of political party?

Our perception doesn’t match reality.

Find America’s hidden consensus: https://t.co/sVK0PnHXZU

Data Visualization: @JamesEagle17 in collab w/ @convergencectr

[John Cena @JohnCena]

To grow you must move onward. Many times that means replacing comfort and connections with courage and curiosity.

[Ed Krassenstein @EdKrassen]

I'm becoming a big fan of 'Starts With Us" because their approach is about conflict resolution rather than divisiveness and animosity.

Let's all pledge to try and seek common ground when possible and try and listen to those who disagree with us.

When I say "listen," I don't just mean "hear them." I mean really listen and try to understand where others are coming from.

[George Takei @GeorgeTakei]

What a powerful story of overcoming deep ideological divides to unite around their common humanity. 💕

More of this, please.