In an effort to stay connected with our readers and share a variety of our original content, we hope you enjoy the latest edition of The Fulcrum’s Pop Culture Friday newsletter.
Ask Joe: Overcoming workplace polarization

Hi Joe,
I’m wondering if you can give some insights to a dilemma I have at work. I’m the supervisor of a team that is made up of people who have different views about politics and other issues. Over the last couple of years, things have gotten worse. We are all trying our best to work together but it’s getting harder. We are losing trust and it seems so tense. We used to laugh with each other and get along. I’ve tried so many things. I don’t know what to do any more. You have any ideas? Thanks,
Hopeless Leader
More Ask Joe from The Fulcrum:
Ask Joe: Navigating Difficult Conversations
Ask Joe: Finding time for self-care
Ask Joe: How do I remain resilient when I’m burnt out?
If you have a question for a future Ask Joe column about overcoming conflicts or bridging divides in your life, please email your question to: AskJoe@Fulcrum.us.
Podcast: The costs of culture wars: Curiosity at risk

In some ways, our culture is less tolerant and more fragile than it once was. The teaching of literature in schools and colleges is often caught in the crossfire of the culture wars. Support for canceling books and authors by the illiberal left and demands to ban books from the reactionary right have led to the removal of important literature from classrooms and libraries.
In this episode, author and literature professor, Deborah Appleman mounts a rousing case for teaching troubling texts in troubling times. "Our classrooms need to remain a space where critical thinking is taught, tolerance from different viewpoints is modeled, and the sometimes-harsh truth of our history and literary heritage are not hidden," she says. Her latest book is "Literature and The New Culture Wars."
More from How Do We Fix It?
Podcast: Democracy: The voters verdict