OP-ED: Braver Angels are overcoming the Red-Blue Divide
As July 4, 2020 approaches, the United States is more polarized than it has been in generations. America’s future as a functioning, stable democracy stands in the balance in part because most Americans have stopped talking across the red-blue divide except to demonize, dismiss, or attack “the other side.”
At another precarious point in our history, in his March 1861 Inaugural Address just weeks before the Civil War began, Abraham Lincoln called on Americans to nurture our “better angels”:
“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
Inspired 155 years later by Lincoln’s warning against becoming enemies, a handful of red and blue Americans came together just after the 2016 presidential election to launch what became the national organization Braver Angels, formerly known as Better Angels. Growing to more than 10,000 members and chapters across America, and now in Alaska, Braver Angels’ powerful approach to depolarization is working. It brings together Americans of all backgrounds to get to know one another, hear each other’s stories, try to understand views we don’t agree with, and engage those we disagree with by looking for common ground and ways to work together locally.
As two Alaskans, one red and one blue, we found a lot in common after connecting with Braver Angels through avenues as diverse as Citizens Climate Lobby and Americans for Prosperity. Learning to look past labels, we found we’ve both worked as educators, both moved here about a decade ago, and both are married to lifelong Alaskans. Most importantly, we both care deeply about strengthening civility in our country and our state and agreed to launch Braver Angels here.
We believe that Alaskans’ experience helping and relying on each other when it really matters, regardless of political views, provides a strong foundation for Braver Angels’ work. In extraordinary times like earthquakes and in ordinary acts like jumpstarting a car in winter, we’ve all seen strangers come together for something that matters and is bigger than themselves. What matters to Alaskans of all political stripes today is the strength of our democracy.
Our goal is to help increase understanding and civil discourse among Alaskans with differing opinions; not to change anyone’s political views. Braver Angels Alaska is eager to hear from individuals and groups with a genuine interest in building more civil, constructive conversations around issues that matter to Alaskans and taking steps together to address those issues. By providing debates on timely and contentious topics, tools for depolarization, and safe and creative ways to gather as neighbors virtually and in person during the pandemic, we also hope to complement the work of existing groups like Rotary, Alaska Common Ground, and other civic organizations. This Independence Day weekend, visit the Braver Angels website to access its excellent resources for depolarization and constructive action. There you can take trainings, participate in debates, read stories of unlikely partnerships, and subscribe to our mailing list to join other Alaskans who have already expressed an interest in our work. You can also follow Braver Angels on social media and contact us directly.
Alaskans have much to be grateful for, even and especially as we collectively experience one of the most unsettled times in our nation’s history. We have largely pulled together to keep COVID-19 infection rates relatively low, seen peaceful demonstrations and respectful responses around the state on the issue of race and police reform, and anticipate high levels of political engagement leading up to the November elections. But we can do even more for Alaska if we learn to listen, fight fair, and hear one another out. As we have told friends and colleagues about launching Braver Angels in Alaska, some have asked: “Why bother?” Their cynical response is a most compelling reason to try.
Linnea Ward, lward@braverangels.org, teaches undergraduate and graduate media and communication courses and is a former president of the Anchorage Petroleum Women’s Association.
Betsy Baker, bbaker@braverangels.org, former Executive Director of the North Pacific Research Board in Anchorage, is a board member for Facing Foster Care in Alaska/FFCA.