Live Online Policy Forum 

# Competencies in Civil Discourse 

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Date and Time 

February 10, 2025 1 - 2 PM EST 

Location 

Live Online 

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##### Featuring 

[![ErecSmith-cropped.jpg](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-02/ErecSmith-cropped.jpg?itok=p8wlcACq)](/people/erec-smith) 

[Erec Smith](/people/erec-smith)

Research Fellow, Cato Institute, and Cofounder, Free Black Thought

[ 

](https://x.com/Rhetors_of_York) 

![Rob Feld - cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2025-01/rob-feld-circle-cropped.jpg?itok=O2goNgt_) 

Rob Feld 

Filmmaker, *Jesters and Fools*

![Cato Logo - Competencies ](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/aside_mobile/public/2025-01/RESIZED%20Competencies%20in%20Civil%20Discourse_Logo%20Final_600x338.jpg?itok=Y5PZBCrg) 

Erec Smith continues his series, Competencies in Civil Discourse, examining how people engage with one another and why they often shy away from discussions with those who hold opposing views. This edition explores the role of comedy as a valuable tool in civil discourse. Smith sits down with filmmaker Rob Feld, director of *Jesters and Fools*, a film that highlights the use of comedy during polarized times.

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