Can We Keep It?

Some quick resources for countering polarization

Yesterday’s shocking assassination attempt on former President Trump has left many Americans questioning how this could happen. The unfortunate reality is that toxic polarization has been festering for far too long, creating an environment that lends itself to political violence. If we allow polarization to continue advancing unchecked, more political violence could follow.

So, what can we do? Below are three easy steps everyone can take to help counter polarization and extremism.

Learn

There are plenty of incredible resources on polarization. An informed citizenry that is up to speed on polarization and its causes is the first line of defense against extremism and political violence.  

Get familiar with some key stats. Start a book club that goes through any of these great books. Subscribe to some great centrist Substacks. Sign up for the Starts With Us newsletter. Listen to some podcasts. Looking for something more academic? Here’s a great primer to the latest polarization research. Learn about and understand causes of polarization like negativity bias and tribalism.

If you want to contribute to a solution, getting familiar with the problem is a great place to start.

Talk

The assassination attempt will be a major topic of casual conversation in the coming weeks. At the very least, these conversations can be an opportunity for good.

Many of these conversations will involve variations of two key questions regarding polarization: (1) How bad is polarization? and (2) Is there any hope of addressing it? Bringing two key stats to these conversations can help guide them in a productive direction.

1. How bad is polarization? Pretty bad. 80% of Republicans and Democrats believe that the other party “poses a threat that if not stopped will destroy America as we know it”

2. Is there any hope of addressing it? Yes. 79% of Americans say that given the chance, they’d like to help play a part in reducing social division in America

Committing these two facts to memory is a great way to frame both the severity of the problem of polarization and the nearly universal desire for a solution. With the first stat in mind, it’s clear that the assassination attempt is a symptom of a highly polarized society. By many counts, today’s polarization is the worse we’ve seen since the Civil War. This attack wasn’t a fluke, and political violence could continue to increase as polarization worsens.

Fortunately, the vast majority of Americans want to be part of the solution. When the assassination attempt inevitably comes up in conversation, pointing out that most Americans want a solution is a great way to garner support for that solution. Directing people to polarization resources and organizations is a good way to ensure these conversations are productive and not riddled with doomerism or conspiracism.

Get Involved

There are literally hundreds of organizations to get involved with for those interested in the depolarization rabbit hole. Some of the biggest are Starts With Us, Braver Angels, Listen First, and Bridge USA. Pick one, get involved, and bring a few friends.

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Can We Keep It?

In 1787, Elizabeth Willing Powel asked Benjamin Franklin as he was leaving the Constitutional Convention, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin answered, “A republic, if you can keep it”.

Franklin’s quick wit reminds us that the preservation of the U.S. requires the constant attention and devotion of its citizens. An informed citizenry steeped in civility is the key to avoiding political violence and extremism. Contempt for the “other side” makes our differences seem larger than they really are. To keep our republic, we’ll each need a better understanding of polarization and to be ready to push back against extremism and pessimism when we encounter it. I hope these resources are a good place to start.