Focus on what people have in common

Americans are inundated with messages emphasizing their divisions. But a recent survey should dampen the idea that this nation is hopelessly split.

An Associated PressNORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted in March found widespread consensus on core values. For instance, 84% agreed that freedom of religion is an integral part of this country’s identity, while 91% said the same about the right to vote, the right to privacy and equal protection under the law.

The one issue that generated a major split between Democrats and Republicans was the Second Amendment.

“The overall findings are striking,” the AP claimed, “because they come at a time of extreme partisanship when political agreements seem rare and concerns are heightened over the potential for violence during (an) … election year.”

That is precisely the type of hyperbole that fosters the narrative this poll erodes. Yes, Americans have varying beliefs and political outlooks. That is the strength of a free society. But the vast majority of people live far removed from the chaos generated by the hyperpolitical climate embraced by activists across the spectrum.

“If you get a bunch of normal people at random and put them in a room together and chat about issues,” Michael Albertus, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, told the AP, “there’s a lot more convergence than you might imagine.”

Indeed, Americans — regardless of faith, color, creed or any measure — have more in common than most would imagine. Our online culture has distorted discourse by amplifying the most radical voices and muting those preaching moderation and common sense. Our elected officials aren’t immune.

“Part of it is really our leaders are not reflecting the electorate,” political scientist Lilliana Mason told the AP, “and they behave in a way that’s much more polarized than what the electorate is.”

The problem arises when the idea of insurmountable “division” becomes so prevalent as to be self-fulfilling. Politicians play to the vocal extremes because it works and helps them get elected. It doesn’t help that many people are now conditioned to fear differing points of view rather than to embrace ideological diversity and debate.

But Americans are nothing if not resilient. The AP survey deserves attention for providing a more nuanced and optimistic perspective than the doom and gloom so prevalent in today’s discussions about democracy and the nation’s future.