For decades Americans have been divided politically over myriad issues: Health care. Immigration. The nation’s involvement in wars. Abortion. Issues surrounding race.
Increasingly, however, people have been digging in their heels in vitriolic arguments that play out over broadcast and social media, and in town halls.
In one corner are progressive activists, in the other are conservative extremists. Somewhere in the middle are those who refuse to place themselves under one label or one political party and are sickened by the political noise.
That’s why our society needs more efforts like Braver Angels and Project for Civic Health, as explored in a recent story by Seattle Times reporter Nina Shapiro.
Braver Angels describes itself as “leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide.” Project for Civic Health was founded by Lt. Gov. Denny Heck with support from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, the University of Washington and Washington State University.
Such a movement is needed as the American experiment with democracy continues to unfold. It’s needed as high-volume protests sweep college campuses with media coverage that’s high on aerial shots but void of sensible dialogue.
A 2018 poll found that 1 in 4 Washingtonians have stopped talking to friends or family members because of politics, and 89% of Washingtonians are worried about the future of democracy.
In 2022, 72% of Republicans regarded Democrats as more immoral, and 63% of Democrats said the same about Republicans, according to a Pew Research Center study. Those are weighty numbers for such a broad and serious assessment. It’s just one perspective that keeps both sides from even wanting to engage civilly over any issue. The side effects of such polarization can range from complete apathy to violence, as political parties promote more extreme candidates with more extreme rhetoric and tactics.
In steps, Braver Angels help to guide people toward understanding. Founded after the 2016 elections, the organization hosts discussions on controversial topics and recruits people of varying viewpoints to participate. Active listening and respectful exchange is the goal.
And there are signs of hope.
A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that about 9 in 10 U.S. adults say the right to vote, the right to equal protection under the law and the right to privacy are extremely important.
The Project for Civic Health and Braver Angels have created lists of suggestions for bridging the political divide. They include: Learn how to listen; choose words wisely; create civic education for children and youths; access information from credible news sources; create training programs for respectful dialogue for candidates and elected leaders.
Both organizations, along with others such as the League of Women Voters, offer resources to help foster civility in politics. But it starts with individuals wanting and willing to listen and learn.