"Our country is experiencing the most divisive time in recent history — but the holidays are upon us," Desi Lydic said on The Daily Show's year-end special. "I want to find out what families are doing to stay connected this season." Her attempts to reconcile politically and culturally fractured families by talking to people in midtown Manhattan ended with advice about self-medicating and avoiding racist relatives entirely, so she turned to Dr. David Campt, racial dialogue expert and founder of the White Ally Toolkit, a roving workshop "where woke white liberals learn to effectively communicate with the not-so-woke," Lydic explained. "David's basically the White People Whisperer."
Lydic helpfully played the fool to show everyone what not to do, then tried out Campt's techniques for connecting with and hopefully converting racist relatives on a family in New Jersey. "The Cofranciso family had a history of dinners gone bad, so they were more than willing to let any random strangers with cameras come in to their home if it meant their holidays could be more pleasant," she said. You can watch her uphill struggle with the Confranciscos, and maybe learn a few real world tips, below. Peter Weber
The Week
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