David Litt's new memoir is about finding common ground through surfing

David Litt has embarked on a surfing adventure with his brother-in-law, Matt, finding common ground and a genuine friendship in the waves.

Litt Sought a Hobby to Distract From the News

David Litt's foray into the world of surfing began as an escape from his constant engagement with the news cycle. Urged by his wife to find a hobby, Litt, an ex-Obama speechwriter, recognized the strain his news addiction took on him.

Litt, an Ex-Obama Speechwriter and Liberal, Felt Different From His Electrician Brother-in-law Matt, a Joe Rogan Fan

Initially, Litt knew he and his brother-in-law Matt had little in common. They first met in 2012, and it quickly became apparent that their worlds were far apart—Litt, the liberal speechwriter, and Matt, the electrician who enjoyed listening to Joe Rogan. Despite these differences, Litt finds himself within the intersection of NPR and Rogan listeners, able to appreciate Rogan's take on familiar topics or personalities.

Litt Decided to Learn Surfing, a Passion of Matt's

Seeking to bridge the gap, Litt tackled the challenge of learning to surf, immersing himself in Matt's passion. During the pandemic, Matt seemed to thrive, and his love for surfing became an avenue for Litt.

Surfing Was Tough for 35-Year-Old Litt, Who Faced Fear and Challenges As a Beginner

At 35 years old, Litt found surfing to be a grueling venture that pushed his physical limits, tapping into muscles he never knew he had. Beyond the physical, Litt contended with his own fear, the daunting vastness of the ocean a new and formidable opponent.

Surfing Together and Traveling To Surf Spots Strengthened Litt and Matt's Relationship

Surfing became a catalyst for Litt and Matt to forge a stronger bond. Not only did the sport challenge Litt p ...

David Litt and Matt come from entirely different worlds, but they find common ground and lessons in the waves.

Litt and Matt: Different Lifestyles and Worldviews

Litt suggests that living like Matt would be his own ruin, implying a stark lifestyle contrast between the two, yet avoiding explicit labels for their differences.

Litt Was Liberal; Matt Was an Anti-Vaxx Motorcycle Enthusiast

Although there's no explicit mention of Matt being an anti-vaxx motorcycle enthusiast, their considerable lifestyle differences are hinted at by Litt, suggesting discrete yet significant divergence in their personal views and choices.

Litt and Matt Avoided Differences, Focused On Surfing

Initially, Litt and Matt steered clear of discussing their polarizing differences, deciding to bond over their shared passion for surfing instead.

Shared Experiences Led To Mutual Understanding

Their time in the ocean brought them closer, helping them understand each other beyond their contrasting worldviews. It was the thrill of surfing that provided a gateway to mutual respect.

Litt Initially Thought Their Differences Would Be an Obstacle, but Realize ...

Litt shares his personal account of how he found common ground with his brother-in-law Matt, which he attributes to the neutral ground created by their shared passion for surfing.

Litt's Journey: From Common Ground to Divergence

Surfing Created "Neutral Ground" for Litt and Matt

Surfing served not just as a sport but as a bridge for Litt to connect with Matt despite their political and ideological differences. This shared activity became a space where their divisions mattered less and their relationship could flourish.

Neutral Ground Is a Space Uncoded As Liberal or Conservative, Focused On Shared Interests and Experiences

Further discussing the concept, Litt points out that neutral ground is found where activities and interests are not heavily coded as liberal or conservative. Instead, these activities focus on what individuals have in common, such as shared experiences and interests. It is in these spaces that people might see that their differences might not be as consequential as they initially thought.

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