Digital, Diverse & Divided: How to Talk to Racists, Compete With Robots, and Overcome Polarization

by David Livermore

In a world of increasing polarization, Digital, Diverse & Divided shows us how to use cultural intelligence to bridge our divides and authentically connect with those around us.

The divides between us seem to keep growing no matter the issue—politics, race relations, religion, and the list goes on. Tackling polarization isn’t easy, but this book gives us tools to bridge our divides without forcing everyone to conform to the same thinking and behavior.

Cultural intelligence, a scientific model originally designed for working with people from different cultures, is ideally suited to bridge our polarizing differences. In Digital, Diverse & Divided , David Livermore, the leading expert on cultural intelligence, teaches us how to use the method he has taught global executives and foreign diplomats to navigate difficult conversations with anyone.

Livermore uses his renowned work in cultural intelligence to address everyday challenges such as


Digital, Diverse & Divided combines groundbreaking research, riveting stories, and practical strategies that are proven to build a more culturally intelligent world for all of us.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Cultural

208 pages, Hardcover

Published September 6, 2022

About the author

DAVID LIVERMORE, PH.D., is president and partner at the Cultural Intelligence Center and a visiting research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He has done consulting and training with leaders in 100 countries and is the author of Leading with Cultural Intelligence (978-0-8144-1487-3).

Reviews

[Judy Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Digital Diverse and Divided: How to Talk to Racists, Compete with Robots and Overcome Polarization by Dr. David Livermore.
Dr. Livermore has renewed my hope that we can overcome the polarization we are experiencing in America and abroad. Using engaging stories from his experiences around the world and information from the latest studies in social science, Livermore reveals: the many ways we are very much alike, the reason our differences stand out more than our likenesses and the power of zooming out to more effective perspectives so we live harmoniously. Livermore doesn’t flinch as he respectfully addresses the most polarizing debates of today’s world such as racism, religion and even politics. In doing so, he demonstrates that we can come together to solve problems we all worry about. When you read this book, you might not agree with every opinion Livermore expresses; I didn’t. Your assumptions may be challenged, but with gentleness and deep respect. Take the risk; it’s worth it!

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s truly rare when a book can be understood and applied by everyone who reads it, yet I truly mean it here. Within the last 3 years, every person has gotten mad at someone from the opposing side in person, online, and through someone else. If you are a human, you will learn something from every chapter. Not only will it become head knowledge, but he gives you practical steps that will walk you through how to talk to other people about disagreements without compromising your own beliefs and not belittling the other. It truly is an easy read that you can immediately apply!

[P.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book discusses some useful ideas in a timely context, but ultimately it overreaches in its claims of applicability.

Livermore describes four aspects of cultural intelligence, which itself is presented as an analogue to the better known notion of emotional intelligence, and then sets out to demonstrate how these skills can be used to overcome conflicts that arise in the areas of race, sexuality, politics, and religion.

Although not mentioned by name, differentiation of self as described by Edwin Friedman and Murray Bowen permeates the discussion. This involves developing the self-knowledge to know what parts of your values are non-negotiable and which ones are. From this foundation, you can assert boundaries that allow you to remain centered in the presence of those whose values are widely different.

The book falls short in its aspirations to effect larger scale societal changes to attenuate polarization. It carries with it the mindset snarked upon so ruthlessly by the Kelsey D. Atherton tweet, "Oh, you're experiencing a structural problem? Have you ever considered trying different personal choices instead?"

Yes, this book will help you to keep you from losing your cool around that loudmouthed relative who thinks everyone is entitled to his opinion (which is a parroting of whatever he heard on talk radio). It won't do a thing to address those who are making a mint off of "flooding the zone with $#!+."

No, the "compete with robots" does not involve dealing with social media trolls.

[Cheryl J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is especially timely for not only industry leaders in all fields, but every-day citizens who are having difficulty discussing the often-polarized conversations with colleagues, students, family members, neighbors, and friends related to race, religion, and politics. Dr. Livermore offers collaborative positive solutions that promote understanding rather than destroying trust and harmony among us. As our country continues to increase its multilingual-multicultural heritage, and newcomers settle into their communities and workplaces across the U.S. there needs to be an understanding that the process of acculturation and English language development is a process that is more than often lengthy and calls for respect for the differences in perspective and behavior if our goal is truly to forge relationships of social trust. One phrase coined by Dr. Livermore which stands out is leadership with vision requiring individuals to “zoom wider, not narrower” than the cultural differences among us. Our culturally diverse groups have values, norms, ideas, expectations, worldviews, and behaviors that deserve respect and inclusivity despite disagreement by some who have unrealistic expectations for immediate assimilation and uniformity of thinking and behaving. Continuing the development of one’s home language and preserving home culture as Dual Language people/Learners, will contribute and benefit our social and economic structures in our nation and abroad as we learn how to “bridge our divides without forcing everyone to conform to the same thinking and behavior”. There are numerous excellent authentic examples shared and practical evidence-based approaches for bridging our divides without attempting force by implementing a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) asset’s-based mindset and strategies rather than a deficit mindset requiring most importantly individual motivation needed to allow for multiple perspectives. The future workforce data included in this book call for adapting to the reality of the 21st century for application of knowledge to solve mutual problems both at home and globally. Needed are the unique ideas of many which Dr. Livermore refers to as calling for “contemporary brainstorming” to solve problems and issues. I highly recommend for Cross-Cultural courses in Teacher Education and all international studies programs for educators and administrators in Higher Education.

[Matthew Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Dr. David Livermore has hit a grand slam with this book. He does such a great job of making his writing conversational, as if you are having a pint in Ireland with him or tea in the middle of a busy night market in Beijing. He shares so many personal examples from his own family and experience and has statements from people around the world that give the book a universal approach. One of the quotes that stood out to me most from the book was this one.

"The first step toward cultural intelligence is awareness of our own figured worlds. We learn that reacting based on our own norms and preferences might not be fair. Just because I prefer talking openly about a personal tragedy, doesn’t mean you do. Or just because you think low taxes are the answer, doesn’t mean it’s the only right way. Self-awareness leads to an ability to recognize differences in other worlds and consider them as viable alternatives. The thing that really sets the culturally intelligent apart, however, is taking the time to proactively anticipate an intercultural situation so that you’re better prepared. Mistakes are inevitable but the more you try, the more you’ll become confident and adept navigating the unpredictability of people from so many different backgrounds."

He also includes some really practical tips to build our Cultural Intelligence (CQ). Things like, being an ally for people, addressing real problems, being curious and having a reverence for the complexity in life. I was blessed to be on the launch team for this book and got an early copy but I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this for anyone that wants to expand their worldview and build a robust cultural intelligence. Run and don't walk to get this today!

[Christina]

David Livermore suggests using Cultural Intelligence to bridge divides caused by race, religion,
gender and politics with people who think differently from us. It provides an approach to tackling the common impulse of seeing things and situations as "us versus them" and avoiding cultural blind spots that may cause anxiety & confusion.

He believes that using dialogue and building relationships is the best way forward, it's hard to villify people with whom you understand, have become friends with or worked together to solve common problems that affect all of us regardless of our polarizing viewpoints.

The book brings up a kaleidoscope of stories, critical incidents and personal anecdotes as well as references detailed studies of prominent thinkers from psychologists to anthropologists. 

The CQ approach sounds empowering and I am intrigued about giving it a try in discussions about the racial divide between the various ethnic groups in Malaysia or to discuss the way women are treated in Muslim societies, without getting inflamed.

I wonder if it would be useful for David to create a companion workbook to walk us through 
in more detail, the types of conversations, dialogues and questions that explore differences and map unique shared experiences to accompany each step of the CQ model. 

[Andre Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was one of the first DEI practitioners in my region to become CQ certified and I have used CQ as a part of my DEI work for 10 years so I have all of Livermore's books. But this book is a CQ book for everyone not just practitioners like me. It speaks to the three most significant challenges in our world today that are impacting diversity equity and inclusion. The increasing impact of technology on how we engage people and information, the massive social shifts being driven by more diversity in all demographics and the incredible polarization that has impacted the way we talk or don't talk about what matters most. DigItal Diverse and Divided provides a tool for engaging in conversation that doesn't require taking sides but opens a door to an opportunity for learning how our lived experiences (figures worlds) shapes the way we see, things, think about things, and interact with other people and things. It addresses the current challenges of social cognition and social identity in an accessible way for everyone, including coworkers, family and friends and others who are different from us.

[RW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. I'm a keen supporter of DEI work but I went in skeptical because it feels like a lot of the books coming out on diversity simply keep repeating the same information. I was wrong. I stayed up late finishing this because it offered me several new insights and tools.

The author draws a lot from his own research on cultural intelligence, which was new to me. But he also draws on others' work, including a fascinating concept called 'figured worlds'. The books is extremely accessible and hopeful while still having a lot of great thought provoking content.

Of course, there are no easy answers for how we talk with someone who has a completely different view than us on sensitive issues. But I like the way the book walks the line between being too high level and theoretical vs. overly simplifying very complex issues. I thought the chapter on how to navigate difficult conversations was the most useful. It provided me a framework I'm going to use with a friend who has a completely different political stance than me on pretty much every hot issue.

[Daniel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge proponent of Cultural Intelligence (CQ). In many of my conversations about it with others, often the perceived significance is application in other countries other than your own. Dr. Livermore bridges that gap in his new book and shows the importance of CQ in so many other areas of life, especially in the relationships around us everyday. You may not agree with his stance on every issue but that is just the point. We live in a society that is quite divided and diverse. We aren’t going to agree with everyone and we don’t have to. But we can have more effective conversations. This book helps us see how we can approach those different than us using CQ so that conversations are more productive and relationships can improve. For anyone who finds it difficult to talk about divisive subjects, this book gives practical advice for improving.

[Karima Ramji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a poem that provides new meaning every time you read it, David's books on cultural intelligence build on each other to provide different perspectives on how CQ can be applied in the workplace and beyond. In this book, he speaks to how cultural values manifest themselves in the digital world of work, and strategies for effective engagement. However, he also goes beyond the world of work and tackles one of the most difficult topics of the day, racism. He shows us, step by step, how we can use CQ to better appreciate the perspectives of those who exhibit racist behaviors, and engage in challenging discussions that can lead to altered perspectives in the long term. Through the art of storytelling, David makes the concept of CQ relatable, understandable and applicable to our daily lives.

[Dina Linkenhoker · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time when it's so difficult to talk to one another without inciting anger, David Livermore adds to the narrative. Beginning with readily accessible descriptions of some sociological and psychological phenomena, he identifies four Cultural Intelligence competencies for us to consider when talking to others. I enjoyed a very practical flow chart about how to bridge the widest of gaps through the use of stories and statistics among other strategies while acknowledging that it might not be a panacea for every situation. Livermore delves deeply into the topic of self-awareness and striving for empathy and perspective.

[Robert Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known David Livermore since I took a masters class from him in 2010 on Cultural Intelligence. His insights then, and what I have continued to learn from him from afar, have had a positive impact on my life in many ways - and this new book is no different. This was one of two books I have read this past year that were incredible on their own, but when placed in our current cultural realities of division and polarization, make this book a must read for anyone who wants to participate in navigating to better and healthier places. I am committed to making our world a better place, and this book is a very helpful tool the process of accomplishing this lofty goal!

[Rebecca Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Livermore's other books, and this one just has less to offer. It's fine. If you already understand that we are diverse and divided, influenced in ways we don't recognize by digital media, which seems always to encourage us to distrust one another, then you'll likely feel validated in some of your bewilderment at the state of society, but you might not walk away with new ideas.

I'm not a huge fan of the somewhat overdone critique of his family and community of origin. That's a stylistic choice, and I'm sure many readers can relate (I can, too, to some extent), but it was a bit much, in my view.

Nevertheless, it's always good to see writing on this valuable topic.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I teach CQ as a Master's level course and regularly speak on this topic. I have also read all of David Livermore's books. Until today my favorite book was Leading with Cultural Intelligence. However, Digital, Diverse, and Divided, is even better. If you want to know the theory and terminology for CQ, then read his Leading with CQ. If you want to laugh, cringe, nod, and be educated in the immense amount of wisdom by Livermore, then this is the book for you. For the casual reader who is not interested in all the research of CQ but would like to know how to apply it - this is it.

[J D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digital, Diverse & Divided is a timely resource in this age of a divided and polarized culture. We have more in common than we think as we work with and live amongst people who are very different. Differing perspectives on hot topic issues distract us from the foundational issues that we ultimately agree on. This book provides practical steps to navigate conversations and build relationships for anyone who wants to lead, love and live well with others.

[Julie-Anne Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

David's book encourages anyone in the human race to come up higher and view a subset of the most polarising issues of today from a set point of our 'common' humanity.
He shares a set of insights cutting across polarising perspectives, including race, religion, gender, politics and place.
His book is an excellent read to challenge anyone on their current perspective.

[Ken Guenther · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful description of the different ways that we are divided and do not understand one another - location, race, gender, religion, politics. Livermore includes specific suggestions for how we can cross those cultural divides and begin talking to one another. He emphasizes the need to begin talking with one another with the goal of addressing common problems that both sides can agree on.

[Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for a more inclusive world - Highly accessible, insightful, and captivating book demonstrating how to manage differences of opinion. This much-needed guide will help leaders—and anyone, really—create a safer, more inclusive, more harmonious workplace, community, home, and world!

[Emilee B · Rating 3 out of 5]

CQ is something all should explore. Hearing Livermore also speak in-person at work, his content is fairly static/unchanging but can be applied to a variety of scenarios.

I appreciated his examples from people he met but would have been more impactful with direct text from them.