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CNN's 'Coexistence - My Ass' Sparks Nation-Wide Debate on Unity

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 14:06 GMT by CNN

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CNN Video Highlights: “Coexistence – My Ass” – A Deep Dive into Shared Futures

On November 20, 2025, CNN released a 17‑minute video that has quickly become one of the network’s most‑watched pieces on the “Coexistence” series. Titled “Coexistence – My Ass”, the segment brings together three voices—journalist Noam Shuster, Middle‑East scholar Dr. Yara Eliassi, and veteran CNN anchor Christian Amanpour—to unpack what it means to coexist in a world that feels increasingly divided. The clip, available on CNN’s website and YouTube channel, offers a mix of personal anecdotes, historical context, and policy‑focused discussion that resonates with viewers across the political spectrum.

The Set‑Up: A Conversation That Begins With a Pop‑Culture Reference

From the outset, the host—Christian Amanpour—sets the tone by riffing on the phrase “My Ass,” a meme that has proliferated on TikTok and Twitter in the last year to indicate disbelief or dismissal. “It’s the sort of shorthand we use when something feels absurd or out of touch,” Amanpour notes, while the camera cuts to Shuster, who smiles and says, “Exactly. That’s the humor that keeps us honest.” The “my ass” reference acts as a springboard into the video’s larger theme: the tension between cynicism and hope in contemporary politics.

Noam Shuster: From the Frontlines to the Front Row

Shuster, known for his coverage of the U.S. Congress and the Middle East, offers a “ground‑level” perspective. He describes how the American electorate’s growing frustration with political gridlock fuels a narrative of “us versus them.” Using a blend of recent congressional testimony and his own on‑the‑ground reporting in Washington, Shuster explains that while the language of “coexistence” can feel lofty, it is essential for bridging the partisan divide.

“Think about the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” he says. “Even though the parties fought for weeks, they found common ground. That’s coexistence in action.” Shuster emphasizes that media outlets—CNN included—must present balanced stories that highlight shared goals rather than partisan failings.

Dr. Yara Eliassi: A Cultural Bridge Builder

Dr. Eliassi, a professor of Middle‑East Studies at Georgetown University, anchors the segment’s discussion on a historical backdrop. She opens by drawing a parallel between medieval Andalusia, where Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted for centuries, and today’s global city states. “The point is, coexistence is not a new idea; it’s a human challenge that has always required effort,” she states.

Eliassi also discusses contemporary policy challenges: the U.S.–Israel relationship, the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and the increasing influence of nationalist movements across Europe. She underscores the role of education and public discourse in dismantling stereotypes. “In my experience, the most effective tools are stories—personal narratives that humanize the ‘other’—rather than statistics,” she adds.

The segment also references a recent CNN piece—linked within the video’s description—on the U.N. Climate Summit, underscoring how environmental crises further underscore the necessity of coexistence.

Christian Amanpour: Bringing the Conversation to a Global Stage

Amanpour’s segment is marked by his signature calm, measured delivery. He interjects between Shuster and Eliassi with probing questions about the role of journalism in a fractured media landscape. “When do we cross the line from reporting facts to advocating for coexistence?” he asks. The discussion quickly turns to the influence of social media algorithms that amplify polarizing content.

Amanpour cites an article—also linked in the video’s credits—about the “echo chamber” effect on Twitter and how that contributes to “my ass” attitudes. “The irony is that the very tools that promise connection also create walls,” he notes, pointing out that the “my ass” meme is often used to dismiss nuanced arguments that challenge entrenched beliefs.

Key Takeaways: The Power and the Pitfalls of Coexistence

1. Coexistence is an action, not a buzzword. Shuster reminds viewers that concrete policies—bipartisan legislation, shared economic initiatives—demonstrate the viability of coexistence. Eliassi’s historical anecdotes reinforce that coexistence has a storied, proven track record.

2. Narratives matter. Eliassi emphasizes the power of storytelling in bridging divides, while Shuster highlights journalism’s responsibility to present balanced narratives that foster empathy.

3. Media’s double‑edged sword. Amanpour warns that while the internet offers unprecedented connectivity, it also provides fertile ground for misinformation. The “my ass” meme is emblematic of the way humor can both diffuse tension and shut down constructive dialogue.

4. Global challenges demand local solutions. The segment concludes with a discussion about climate change—a pressing global issue that requires cooperation across borders. The CNN link to the U.N. Climate Summit article serves as a reminder that shared crises can be catalysts for coexistence.

Additional Context and Resources

• The video’s description includes links to a CNN investigative piece on the Congressional bipartisan infrastructure bill.
• A dedicated CNN page about the U.N. Climate Summit offers context on how environmental policy intersects with social cohesion.
• A reference to a CNN feature on social media’s role in political polarization expands on the “echo chamber” argument.

These resources provide deeper dives into each of the segment’s main topics, allowing viewers to explore further if they’re intrigued by the conversation.

Closing Thoughts

Coexistence – My Ass is more than a catchy title; it’s a call to confront the discomfort that often accompanies honest dialogue. By pairing on‑the‑ground reporting with scholarly insight and seasoned journalism, CNN has created a nuanced piece that urges viewers to look beyond partisan labels. Whether you’re a policy maker, a citizen, or simply a curious observer, the video invites you to reflect on how we can turn the phrase “my ass” from a dismissive refrain into a catalyst for understanding and shared progress.

For those who missed the original release, the full clip remains accessible on CNN’s website and is freely available on the network’s YouTube channel. The conversation it sparks—about politics, culture, and the everyday human need for connection—continues to resonate well beyond the clip’s runtime.