Interesting AI narrative! It ended in a much more conciliatory tone than a real pairing. Quite clever though.
On Tue, Nov 19, 2024 at 9:04 AM Dr. Ernie Prabhakar < [email protected]> wrote: > > *Miriam* (*raising her hand*): Pause. Right now, you’re each focusing on > what you reject in the other. Donna, you reject Kamal’s rationality because > it feels cold and dismissive. Kamal, you reject Donna’s values-driven > passion because it feels impractical. But here’s the truth: the very parts > of each other you find threatening are mirrors of the parts of yourselves > you’ve rejected. > > > https://radicalcentrism.org/2024/11/19/the-great-american-marriage-kamal-harris-v-donna-trump/ > > The Great American Marriage: Kamal Harris v. Donna Trump > November 17, 2024 > > Write a hunorous three-act play where the American political divide is > portrayed as a couple, Donna Trump and Kamal Harris. > In Act II, show their therapist Miriam Bowen-Friedman guiding them to a > breakthrough using self-harmonization > <https://radicalcentrism.org/2024/11/17/higher-self-cafe-v4-miriam-harmonizes-the-philosophers/> > and the example of Jefferson and Adams. > Highlight how their conflicts mirror their inner struggles and how > embracing their rejected parts (Donna’s logic, Kamal’s passion) leads to > personal and relational growth, especially for parenting their kids. > #InternalFamilySystems <https://ifs-institute.com/> > ChatGPT Prompt > > *Act I – “Divided We Bicker”* > > *Setting:* *The living room of the America household. The room is divided > down the middle. On one side, everything is red, adorned with eagles and a > MAGA hat on the coffee table. On the other side, it’s blue, with a climate > change poster and a Ruth Bader Ginsburg bobblehead on the shelf. Donna > Trump, wearing a red power suit and pearls, is pacing aggressively. Kamal > Harris, in a navy blazer with a cup of herbal tea, is calmly sitting on the > couch.* > ------------------------------ > Scene 1: The Disagreement > > *Donna Trump* (hands on hips): > Kamal, I’m telling you, *we need a wall!* The neighbor’s kids keep > cutting through our yard. It’s disrespectful! > > *Kamal Harris* (raises an eyebrow, sipping tea): > Donna, we don’t need a wall. We need a *fence*, maybe even a community > garden. Let’s invite them over and talk about why they’re cutting through. > > *Donna Trump* (throws her hands in the air): > Talk? TALK? By the time you’re done “talking,” they’ll have taken the lawn > chairs, the grill, and the doghouse! > > *Kamal Harris* (calmly): > Well, if we didn’t leave the grill out with a sign saying “FREE USE,” > maybe they wouldn’t. > > *Donna Trump*: > That’s called *hospitality*! But they need to respect boundaries. Rules > are rules, Kamal. > > *Kamal Harris*: > And sometimes rules need reform, Donna. Maybe their backyard doesn’t even > have a swing set! Have you considered that? > ------------------------------ > Scene 2: The Budget > > *Donna Trump* (pulls out a stack of receipts): > And another thing, Kamal. You spent *how much* on solar panels last > month? That’s the grocery money! > > *Kamal Harris* (leans forward): > It’s an *investment*, Donna. In ten years, those panels will pay for > themselves! > > *Donna Trump* (snorts): > In ten years, I’ll be living off of canned beans because we couldn’t > afford steaks anymore! > > *Kamal Harris* (smirks): > Oh, I thought you liked canned beans. Isn’t that what your diet plan calls > “working-class chic”? > > *Donna Trump* (glares): > Don’t get cute with me, Kamal. At least I didn’t spend *half the savings > account* on yoga mats and free childcare for the neighborhood kids! > > *Kamal Harris* (shrugs): > If the neighborhood is happy and healthy, we all thrive. It’s called > “community prosperity.” > > *Donna Trump*: > It’s called *bleeding us dry*! And you still haven’t fixed the pothole in > our driveway. > > *Kamal Harris* (pickingup his tea again): > I’m waiting for bipartisan support. You didn’t like my last proposal to > repave it with recycled materials. > > *Donna Trump* (throws up her hands): > Because it looked like someone spilled oatmeal all over the driveway, > Kamal! > ------------------------------ > Scene 3: The Kids > > *Donna Trump* (gesturing to the kitchen): > And what about the kids? Donny Jr. and little Ivanka don’t respect *any* > of my rules anymore. They’re always hanging out with Sasha and Beau in your > “progressive family zone.” > > *Kamal Harris*: > Because I let them express themselves, Donna. Maybe if you didn’t ground > them every time they questioned you— > > *Donna Trump* (interrupting): > Express themselves? Last week, they painted a rainbow on the garage! The > *garage*, Kamal! > > *Kamal Harris* (grins): > It’s art. Besides, it’s better than Donny Jr. sneaking off to the > neighbor’s yard to spray-paint “Stop the Steal.” > > *Donna Trump*: > At least he’s taking a stand! What are Sasha and Beau doing? Making > kombucha and debating the pros and cons of universal healthcare? > > *Kamal Harris* (proudly): > Actually, they are. Sasha even drew up a proposal for how to lower grocery > costs for the whole block. > > *Donna Trump*: > That’s not leadership—it’s fantasy! > > *Kamal Harris* (leans in): > And Donny Jr. running a fake lemonade stand to fund his crypto account is > leadership? > > *Donna Trump* (clapping back): > That’s called *entrepreneurship*! > ------------------------------ > Scene 4: Threats of Divorce > > *Donna Trump* (throwing up her hands): > You know what, Kamal? Maybe we’re just *too different*. You live in some > dream world where everyone holds hands and sings kumbaya, and I’m stuck > here trying to keep this house from falling apart. > > *Kamal Harris* (standing now, visibly frustrated): > And I’m stuck cleaning up your messes, Donna! You burn bridges, pick > fights, and call it leadership. This house isn’t a kingdom—it’s a > partnership! > > *Donna Trump* (shouting): > Partnership? Ha! You’re just dead weight! All talk, no action. Maybe it’s > time we *split up*! > > *Kamal Harris* (sarcastic): > Oh, really? Fine. I’ll take my side of the house, and you can keep your > wall. Let’s see how long you last without me mediating every argument and > fixing every problem! > > *Donna Trump* (furious): > And let’s see how long you last without me balancing the budget and > keeping the freeloaders in line! > > *Kamal Harris*: > I’ll survive. At least I won’t have to listen to your constant *winning > is everything* speeches. > > *Donna Trump* (snapping): > And I won’t have to suffer through your endless “let’s compromise” > nonsense! > > *(They both pause, glaring at each other, the tension thick enough to cut > with a knife.)* > ------------------------------ > Scene 5: The Standoff > > *Donna Trump* (crossing her arms): > You know what, Kamal? Maybe we *should* divorce. > > *Kamal Harris* (mockingly): > Fine. I’ll draft the separation papers. You can keep the gold-plated > lawnmower, and I’ll take the hybrid car. > > *Donna Trump*: > Keep the hybrid. I don’t need your weak, liberal wheels. > > *Kamal Harris*: > And I don’t need your obnoxious, gas-guzzling patriot mobile. > > *(They stare each other down, the room vibrating with their mutual > disdain.)* > > *Donna Trump* (finally muttering): > You’d miss me, Kamal. > > *Kamal Harris* (softly): > You’d miss me more. > > *(Silence. The stage lights dim as they retreat to opposite corners of the > room, each plotting their next move. The house remains divided—both > literally and figuratively.)* > ------------------------------ > *Act II – “Fractals of Reconciliation”* > > *Setting:* *A neutral, minimalist office with calming beige walls and a > painting of a serene forest. Miriam Bowen-Friedman > <https://radicalcentrism.org/2024/11/16/self-harmonization-a-grand-unified-theory-of-socialization/>, > exuding calm authority, sits across from Donna Trump and Kamal Harris, who > occupy opposite ends of a couch. Donna is animated, wearing a bold red > shawl, while Kamal looks composed, clutching a notebook. Their house—and > their union—feels on the verge of collapse.* > ------------------------------ > Scene 1: The Calming Down > > *Miriam Bowen-Friedman* (smiling warmly): > Donna, Kamal, I want to start by saying this: your conflicts aren’t > failures. They’re invitations to grow—not just as partners, but as > individuals. > > *Donna Trump* (arms crossed): > That’s a nice sentiment, Miriam, but he’s the one refusing to grow. He > just wants to measure and calculate everything. > > *Kamal Harris* (raising an eyebrow): > Because someone has to keep the house from descending into chaos. > > *Miriam* (raising her hand): > Pause. Right now, you’re each focusing on what you reject in the other. > Donna, you reject Kamal’s rationality because it feels cold and dismissive. > Kamal, you reject Donna’s values-driven passion because it feels > impractical. But here’s the truth: the very parts of each other you find > threatening are mirrors of the parts of yourselves you’ve rejected. > > *Donna Trump* (blinking): > Wait… what are you saying? > > *Miriam*: > This isn’t just a disagreement about politics or priorities. This is about > reconciling with the disowned parts of your own psyche. Donna, your fear of > Kamal’s rationality might be a reflection of your own fear of losing > control or being seen as unreasonable. Kamal, your frustration with Donna’s > passion may stem from your own discomfort with strong emotions or visionary > thinking. > > *Kamal Harris* (leaning back): > So… we’re not just fighting with each other. We’re fighting with ourselves? > > *Miriam*: > Exactly. And until you make peace with those disowned parts, you’ll see > the other as the enemy instead of the partner you’re meant to harmonize > with. > ------------------------------ > Scene 2: The Fractal Nature of Harmony > > *Miriam* (standing and drawing on a whiteboard): > Think of your relationship—and your household—as a fractal. At every > scale, from the individual to the partnership, the same patterns emerge. To > harmonize as partners, you first need to harmonize within yourselves. > > *Donna Trump* (skeptical): > And how do we do that? > > *Miriam*: > Through empathy. Not just for each other, but for the parts of yourselves > you’ve been ignoring. Donna, can you empathize with the part of you that > values logic and structure, even though you usually see yourself as the > defender of values? > > *Donna Trump* (hesitating): > I mean… I guess I like having order in the house. > > *Miriam*: > Exactly. That part of you isn’t at odds with your values—it complements > them. Logic and structure create the foundation for values to flourish. > When you reject it, you risk chaos, even in your vision of righteousness. > > *Donna Trump* (quietly): > I suppose… I just don’t want to lose sight of what matters most. > > *Miriam*: > And you don’t have to. But by reconciling with your inner logic, you can > strengthen your ability to fight for those values. Now, Kamal—can you > empathize with the part of you that’s driven by passion and vision, even > though you see yourself as the voice of reason? > > *Kamal Harris* (frowning): > I guess there’s a part of me that does want to fight for a bigger picture. > But I’ve always felt like I needed to focus on what’s practical. Passion > feels… messy. > > *Miriam*: > And yet, it’s passion that makes practicality meaningful. Without it, > reason becomes cold and disconnected. Just as Donna’s logic strengthens her > values, your passion gives purpose to your reason. > ------------------------------ > Scene 3: Historical Parallels > > *Miriam* (gesturing to the whiteboard): > Let’s zoom out for a moment. Your house—your shared household—was built on > the same tension you’re experiencing now. Think about Jefferson and Adams > <https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/thomas-jefferson-and-john-adams-die> > . > > *Donna Trump* (perking up): > The Founding Fathers? > > *Miriam*: > Yes. Two men with vastly different ideologies: Jefferson, the visionary, > championing individual liberty and big ideas; Adams, the pragmatist, > focused on stability and the rule of law. They clashed constantly, but > through their friendship and shared struggle, they built something far > greater than either of them could have alone. > > *Kamal Harris* (thoughtfully): > And they didn’t let their differences destroy their relationship—or the > republic they were trying to create. > > *Miriam*: > Exactly. Their harmony wasn’t about agreement—it was about mutual respect > and a willingness to work through their differences for a common cause. > Your household can thrive the same way, but only if you recognize that your > differences are your greatest strength. > ------------------------------ > Scene 4: Building Empathy > > *Miriam* (turning back to Donna): > Donna, what if you saw Kamal’s logic not as a rejection of your values, > but as a way to protect and sustain them? > > *Donna Trump* (pausing): > I mean… I guess it makes sense. Without structure, my values would just be > ideas floating in the air. > > *Miriam*: > Exactly. Now, Kamal, what if you saw Donna’s passion not as a threat to > your practicality, but as a reminder of what you’re working so hard to > protect? > > *Kamal Harris* (nodding slowly): > I suppose it’s true. Without a vision, all the logic in the world wouldn’t > mean anything. > > *Miriam*: > Now imagine if you could trust each other enough to let these strengths > work together. Donna, when Kamal lays out a logical plan, could you see it > as a way to ground your vision instead of dismissing it as cold? > > *Donna Trump*: > Maybe. If he’d stop acting like my ideas are impossible all the time. > > *Miriam* (to Kamal): > And Kamal, when Donna pushes for something bold, could you see it as a way > to expand your perspective instead of dismissing it as impractical? > > *Kamal Harris*: > I can try. If she stops dismissing my spreadsheets as “soulless.” > > *Miriam* (smiling): > That’s a start. > ------------------------------ > Scene 5: A Shared Struggle > > *Miriam* (sitting back down): > Now, here’s the challenge: just like Jefferson and Adams, your shared > strength will only emerge through shared struggle. You’ll have to work > through your disagreements, not as opponents, but as partners in service to > the household. > > *Donna Trump* (leaning forward): > So you’re saying we should stop trying to win and start trying to serve? > > *Miriam*: > Exactly. Instead of asking “who’s right,” ask, “what does the household > need?” Instead of fighting to protect your individual values, fight > together to preserve what you both care about. > > *Kamal Harris*: > And what we both care about is… this house. > > *Donna Trump*: > And the kids. And making sure they grow up with something better than what > we’ve got now. > > *Miriam*: > That’s your common ground. And when you feel threatened by each other’s > approach, remember: you’re not just harmonizing with each other. You’re > also learning to harmonize with the rejected parts of yourselves. > ------------------------------ > Scene 6: A Fractal Future > > *Donna Trump* (after a pause): > So… if I embrace my inner logic, and Kamal embraces his inner passion, we > might actually… stop fighting? > > *Miriam*: > Not stop fighting. But fight *better*. Together. > > *Kamal Harris* (half-smiling): > And maybe next time, we’ll be more like Jefferson and Adams. > > *Donna Trump* (grinning): > As long as I’m Jefferson. > > *Kamal Harris*: > Of course you’d say that. > > *Miriam* (laughing): > See? You’re already learning to laugh about your differences. That’s a > good first step. Now, let’s talk about how to practice this at home. > ------------------------------ > *Act III – “A New Way Forward”* > > *Setting:* *The America household, still split down the middle but > showing small signs of compromise. The red and blue sides of the living > room have started to blend slightly—a shared bookshelf here, a combined > photo collage there. Donna Trump and Kamal Harris sit at the kitchen table, > papers spread out as they attempt to plan a family dinner.* > ------------------------------ > Scene 1: Old Habits Die Hard > > *Donna Trump* (pointing at Kamal’s spreadsheet): > Kamal, this is ridiculous. Do we really need a flowchart to decide what to > serve at dinner? Just go with burgers—it’s what everyone loves! > > *Kamal Harris* (sighing): > Donna, we agreed to be more inclusive. Sasha and Beau are vegetarians. > They need options. > > *Donna Trump* (throwing up her hands): > Fine, we’ll make a salad. But don’t come crying to me when no one eats it! > > *Kamal Harris* (crossing his arms): > And don’t blame me when the neighbors don’t feel welcome because you > refused to let me put out that “All Are Welcome” sign. > > *Donna Trump*: > You’re obsessed with signs! How about we actually take care of our yard > instead of putting messages on it? > > *Kamal Harris*: > It’s a symbol, Donna. Something you claim to care about! > > *Donna Trump*: > I care about symbols that *mean* something, not just feel-good platitudes! > > *Kamal Harris* (leaning in): > You mean symbols like your gold-plated lawnmower? > > *Donna Trump*: > That mower represents *strength*! > > *Kamal Harris*: > It represents *waste*! > > *(They glare at each other, voices rising.)* > ------------------------------ > Scene 2: The Kids Act Out > > *(In the middle of their argument, the kids burst into the room. Donny Jr. > is wearing a homemade cape that says “My Way Rules,” while Sasha is > carrying a sign that reads “Let’s All Get Along.” Ivanka and Beau are > trailing behind, clearly upset.)* > > *Donny Jr.* (pointing at Sasha): > You can’t just take over the backyard with your “peace garden”! That’s > *my* space for my Freedom Fortress! > > *Sasha* (tearing up): > It’s not just your space! The backyard is for everyone! > > *Ivanka* (crossing her arms): > And why do I always have to clean up Donny’s mess? He never listens to > anyone but himself! > > *Beau* (quietly): > Why can’t we just work together? Why is everything always a fight? > > *(Donna and Kamal freeze, watching their children mirror their worst > tendencies.)* > ------------------------------ > Scene 3: Confession > > *Donna Trump* (softly): > Oh no. They’re… us. > > *Kamal Harris* (nodding, putting his head in his hands): > We’ve been so focused on fighting each other, we didn’t even see what we > were teaching them. > > *Donna Trump* (kneeling down to Donny Jr.): > Donny, sweetheart, come here. > > *Donny Jr.* (still holding his cape): > What? Are you going to tell me I’m wrong? > > *Donna Trump* (shaking her head): > No. I’m going to tell you I’ve been wrong. > > *Donny Jr.* (blinking): > What do you mean? > > *Donna Trump* (taking his hand): > I’ve spent so much time trying to win every argument with your dad that I > forgot what really matters. I made it seem like you have to fight for > everything, even when it’s not a fight worth having. And that’s not fair to > you. > > *Kamal Harris* (kneeling down to Sasha): > And Sasha, I owe you an apology too. I’ve been so focused on making > everything fair and balanced that I forgot how important it is to listen to > your feelings. I made you think being practical is more important than > being kind, and that’s not true. > > *Donna Trump* (turning to the group): > The truth is, we’ve both been so busy trying to prove we’re right that we > forgot to show you how to work together. > > *Kamal Harris*: > And that starts with us admitting our mistakes and showing you that > there’s a better way. > ------------------------------ > Scene 4: A Better Way Forward > > *Donna Trump* (smiling): > Okay, kids. Let’s try something different. Donny, Sasha—how can we make > the backyard work for both your fortress *and* the peace garden? > > *Donny Jr.* (thinking): > Well… maybe the peace garden can have a little area with a flagpole for my > fortress? > > *Sasha* (nodding): > And maybe the fortress could have some flowers around it? To make it look > nicer? > > *Kamal Harris*: > Great start. Ivanka, Beau—what do you think? > > *Ivanka*: > If Donny promises to clean up his side, I’ll help with the garden. > > *Beau*: > And I can help build the flagpole. > > *Donna Trump*: > See? That wasn’t so hard. > > *Kamal Harris* (chuckling): > It’s easier when you’re not yelling, isn’t it? > ------------------------------ > Scene 5: A Shared Moment > > *(The family begins to laugh, the tension easing for the first time in > days. Donna and Kamal exchange a glance, realizing how much they’ve > learned.)* > > *Donna Trump* (to Kamal): > You know, you’re pretty good at this whole collaboration thing. > > *Kamal Harris*: > And you’re pretty good at making sure we don’t lose sight of what matters. > > *Donna Trump* (grinning): > Don’t get used to me saying that. > > *Kamal Harris* (smirking): > Wouldn’t dream of it. > > *(The stage fades to black as the family sits together, sketching out > plans for their shared backyard—a symbol of their newfound unity.)* > ------------------------------ > > *End of Act III* > > Sent from my iPhone > > -- > -- > Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community < > [email protected]> > Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism > Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org > > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/A738D608-2930-4815-91E2-7A781CD63AAB%40gmail.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/A738D608-2930-4815-91E2-7A781CD63AAB%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- -- Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community <[email protected]> Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community" group. 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