“Explor[es] the underlying history and psychology of public discourse . . . should be required reading for politicians and public advocates.” —Real Change

The most pressing problem we face today is not climate change. It is pollution in the public square, where a toxic smog of adversarial rhetoric, propaganda, and polarization stifles discussion and debate, creating resistance to change and thwarting our ability to solve our collective problems.

In this second edition of I’m Right and You’re an Idiot, James Hoggan grapples with this critical issue, through interviews with outstanding thinkers and drawing on wisdom from highly regarded public figures. Featuring a new, radically revised prologue, afterword, and a new chapter addressing the changes in the public discourse since the 2016 US election, his comprehensive analysis explores:

• How political will is manipulated
• How tribalism shuts down open-minded thinking, undermines trust, and helps misinformation thrive
• Why facts alone fail and how language is manipulated and dissent silenced
• The importance of dialogue, empathy, and pluralistic narrative reframing arguments to create compelling narratives and spur action.

Our species’ greatest survival strategy has always been foresight and the ability to leverage intelligence to overcome adversity. For too long now this capacity has been threatened by the sorry state of public discourse. Focusing on proven techniques to foster more powerful and effective communication, I’m Right and You’re an Idiot will appeal to readers looking for deep insights and practical advice in these troubling times.

“This is a must-read for anyone tired of the bullying, the propagandizing, the screaming, and the bullsh*t.” —Dr. Samantha Nutt, author of Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies and Aid

James Hoggan is president of the Vancouver PR firm Hoggan & Associates and chair of the David Suzuki Foundation board. A tireless advocate for ethics and integrity in public relations, he founded the influential website DeSmogBlog to expose misinformation campaigns that pollute public debate around climate change and the environment. He has advised a wide range of organizations such as the governments of B.C. and Ontario, the Dalai Lama Center, the B.C. Law Society, and the B.C. Treaty Commission. Hoggan has also served as a member of Shell Global's External Review Committee and is the author of Climate Cover-Up and Do the Right Thing.

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