What Still Unites Us?

In this increasingly polarized political climate, what brings us together?

I believe it is true that Americans have more interests in common than the issues that divide us. Our goals are primarily the safety, happiness, and prosperity of ourselves and those closest to us — even though we often disagree, loudly, about how, when, and by whom those goals should be accomplished.

So many loud voices insist that they have the plan — and even more vehemently, that the “other guy” does not. I’ve found myself so put off by the opening words of a friend on an issue that I didn’t want to hear anything else they had to say. Even though I can’t think of a single political voice with whom I’m in total agreement, I’ve been told what I believe by virtue of association far too often. And on the rare occasions when I was told why a particular belief was being incorrectly ascribed to me, it came down to something one person did — which their political rivals sought to vilify and then associate with all of their opposition.

It has always been true that people are easier to control when they are angry. Regardless of political party, it’s accepted modern political strategy that outrage creates loyal and active voters. When we’re angry, we see things more simply. Our vision narrows, and we stop listening. The only proven way out of that kind of thinking is through personal experiences, not unsolicited instruction.

We should not seek universal agreement, but rather the kind of debate that leads to genuine progress. Let us stay committed to the issues that matter most to us — without losing sight of the humanity of those who disagree. Only then can we arrive at solutions shaped by meaningful compromise, not mutual destruction.

“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” – James Baldwin

To move toward greater unity, we’ll have to relearn how to:

• • Talk to each other.

  • Hear what underlies what the other is saying.

  • Think beyond the regurgitation of the loudest voices.

  • Be critical of the sources and details we accept as fact.

  • Open ourselves to being wrong and learning from that error.

While we may want to pull away and break ties with those who don’t agree with us, that isolation eliminates the very opportunities for experience that can reawaken our minds.