This is what happens when you ask people with vastly different views to work together

Exclusive: Heineken's new Open Your World campaign asks the UK to break down barriers and find common ground through a social experiment
Daniel Orton20 April 2017

What happens when you bring together a feminist, and an anti-feminist? Or a climate change activist with someone who thinks the whole idea is “piffle”?

The short film above, called Worlds Apart, sets out to answer that question through a social experiment in which a series of strangers are paired up based on their opposing beliefs, and tasked with working together to complete a set of challenges.

None of the people taking part knew their partner in the experiment held such polarised attitudes, and only found out at the end when they were all offered the chance to either leave or sit down and discuss their differences over a beer.

Watch the video above to find out how many of the participants decided to put their differences aside and find some common ground.

Can Glen, who believes in only two sexes, get along with Ayla, a transgender woman?

The social experiment was the brain child of Heineken and The Human Library.

Cindy Tervoort, Marketing Director at Heineken said: “We’re living in a time where empathy, tolerance and openness are under threat.

“Joining forces with The Human Library is a way for us to inspire more people to focus on the things that unite us rather than divide us.”

Jason believes feminists are 'anti-men'

The Human Library is a unique not-for-profit organisation that uses conversation to challenge stereotypes.

Every ‘book’ in The Human Library is a real person with an extraordinary background - from street sleepers and refugees, to transgender and people with life-changing illnesses. Each ‘book’ can be loaned out for a conversation, a debate and a chance to find common ground.

The makers of the film hope that it will encourage people to be more open with each other, a concept not without its benefits.

Dr Chris Brauer, a leading expert in human behaviour at Goldsmiths University said: “Highly open people are positively perceived and appreciated by others, seen as influential, humorous and expressive, and have happier relationships and more successful careers.

“The absolute core of common ground is truly hearing the interests and concerns of another person, openly and without judgement. After you listen, then listen some more.”

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