Opening Your World: Finding Common Ground Through Conversation

A Heineken ad demonstrates the power of communication that connects individuals with opposing political differences. The ad makes use of Gordon A. Allport’s Intergroup Contact Theory, positing that given the opportunity to openly communicate, people are equipped with an ability to understand and appreciate different points of views, ultimately reducing bias and prejudice.

Generalizing this theory to relationships, when couples engage in a nonthreatening conversation about hot button issues, they have a profoundly better chance of understanding their partner as well as feeling understood and accepted.