Why We Recommend SOC119

A Model for the Kind of Conversations We Hope to Foster

At All Common Ground, we don’t build community by shouting louder or proving our point. We build it by listening, reflecting, and having the courage to sit with perspectives that stretch us. That’s why we recommend watching a college class called SOC119, taught by Professor Sam Richards at Penn State.

Social 119 is part of World in Conversation. Read about Sam here.

It’s not just a class. It’s a space—sometimes raw, often uncomfortable, and always thought-provoking—where students explore race, culture, power, and identity through real, face-to-face conversation.

The “Dangerous Professor” That Wasn’t

A few years ago, Sam was listed as one of “America’s most dangerous professors.” The reason? A few short, highly edited clips of his class went viral—stripped of context, nuance, or the honest dialogue that surrounded them. Viewed in isolation, those clips painted him as a fringe ideologue. And to be fair, if those clips were all you saw, it would be easy to believe that.

But those clips weren’t the whole story. Not even close.

The truth is, SOC119 is one of the most thoughtful, balanced, and courageously curious classroom experiences you’ll find in higher education. Sam doesn’t push an agenda. He doesn’t ask students to agree. He asks them to think. And more importantly, he makes room for them to speak.

We don’t always agree with everything Sam says—or everything his students say. And that’s the point. It’s not a debate. It’s not about “getting it right.” It’s about showing up honestly in a room with people who see the world differently and trusting that the conversation itself is valuable.

Why It Matters to Always 3 Sides

One of our branches, Always 3 Sides, exists to explore complex and divisive topics—such as race, politics, religion, and identity—with honesty and care. But we don’t recommend jumping in too quickly.

We encourage all participants—especially those who wish to help lead or engage deeply in controversial topics—first to watch several episodes of SOC119. Not as a test, but as a mirror.

If you find the format of that class overwhelming or infuriating, that’s okay. It may just mean you’re not quite ready for Always 3 Sides. And that’s not a failure—it’s wisdom. Growth takes time. So does trust.

But if you find yourself saying, “I don’t always agree, but I can see how this creates space for real dialogue,”—then you’re already on the right path.

The Kind of Courage We’re After

SOC119 reflects the spirit we strive for:

• Not agreement, but awareness.
• Not winning, but understanding.
• Not silence, but mutual respect.

In a world quick to label and divide, this kind of presence is radical. And we believe it’s the only way forward.

So don’t just judge the clips. Watch a full class. Sit with it. Let it make you uncomfortable. Let it make you think.

Then come back and bring that spirit into our shared space—because that’s where the real work begins.

Check out some SOC119 classes

Eric Gajewski Founder

I have never been satisfied with my life. It has been a constant struggle for more, which has led to various addictions. As a perfectionist, I tend to give up on almost everything I start. The one constant in my life has been working out. I was never interested in team sports, mainly because I wasn't good at them. I excel when I apply my natural talents, but I often lose interest quickly. I was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, in 1970, and my family of seven moved to a small house in Sunrise, Florida, in 1973. I lived in Broward County for over 40 years. My son was born in 2012, and six months later, we relocated to Boone, North Carolina. I’m a marketing consultant and community builder who believes real change comes through honest, human conversation. I started All Common Ground to help people reconnect across differences—with love at the center and no need to "win."

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