We should show courage to engage in civic life effectively
people hear phrases like “bridging the divide” or “finding common ground,” they often think of “centrism” and “civility.”
If only we could be nicer to each other, then our country could get along and get things done.
If that line of thinking makes you roll your eyes, I don't blame you.
Fetishizing civility — at least insofar as it's understood as mere politesse — can indeed be naïve and counterproductive. If you're on the left, you might see it as a tool of false equivalence and oppression. If you're on the right, you might just see PC nonsense.
Either way, we need to get beyond the notion of civility if we want to truly reduce political polarization and build a healthier democracy.
It's courageous to speak up and also find the things that unite us
Yes, we need empathy and respect in our politics. But at a time of national crisis, in a critically divisive election year, empathy and respect are not enough.
We also need courage.
The courage to do what's right even when it's not popular.
The courage to bring our best selves to situations of anger and frustration.
The courage to endure the vitriol of our political opponents and the judgement of our friends.
The courage to speak our minds fully and without fear.
The courage to build on what unites us rather than weaponize what divides us.
There is a sense these days that somehow engaging with another perspective is akin to surrendering your own. A sense that challenging your worldview is the same thing as compromising your values.
We need the courage to see through the fear and mistrust that leads to this line of thinking, and which produces embittered withdrawal and constant recrimination.
You do not have to give up your beliefs to engage with adversaries
Engaging with “the other side” does not preclude your ability to be a passionate activist and advocate for what you believe in. Indeed, in many cases, it strengthens your ability to articulate your perspective and speak to people in terms to which they can relate. It helps you build a relationship. And if your goal is to persuade, it might even help you do just that.
Americans are battling more than coronavirus. We are battling fear, isolation, and division. Many of us are stuck at home, glued to our screens and conwhen stantly bombarded by a stream of insults and finger-pointing.
The temptation to give in, lash out, and perpetuate the rancor is indeed strong.
But what if we found the courage to resist and chart a different path? A path that honors our differences without papering over our disagreements? A path that builds a politics of inclusion and conviction, passion and patience, vigor and charity?
Our path has come to a fork.
Do we retreat further into tribal animosity? Or do we come together to care for one another and, together, face our deep and growing societal challenges with strength and compassion?
The choice is ours. Regardless of wins in November, we must find the courage to see the humanity in our opponents if we want to build the country we want — and continue our pursuit of a more perfect Union.
Ciaran O’connor is a national leader at Braver Angels (formerly known as Better Angels). www.braverangels.org.