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Amidst the "doom and gloom" scenarios, many silver linings.
Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past few weeks, you've undoubtedly seen and heard a lot of anguished (or conversely, dismissive) speculation in the media about whether America in the next few years will hold itself together or descend -- inevitably and tragically -- into some 21st century version of "civil war."
At Civic Health Project, we don't have a crystal ball, and we struggle like most folks to calibrate our understanding of this fraught moment in America's history. Certainly, the past couple years have given us uncomfortable glimpses of how we are capable of turning on each other when we fervently believe and vehemently disagree.
At the same time (here's the silver lining part), widening angst about acute conflict scenarios is helping to shine a brighter spotlight than ever on the work of bridge-builders, peace-builders, and nonviolence advocates across America.
PBS is one media platform stepping up in a big way. PBS NewsHour recently broadcast this 30-minute segment profiling the work of U.S. bridge-building organizations, including many of our grantees. Meanwhile, The Reunited States documentary, which celebrates the work of several bridge-builders, is currently in the midst of screening 870 times on local PBS stations that reach an aggregate 200M viewers. PBS.org also posted this short video featuring our work with AllSides and Living Room Conversations to connect classrooms in different parts of America.
PBS isn't alone. Time Magazine ran this and this editorial to equip Americans with practical suggestions for building stronger social cohesion and averting acute conflict scenarios. The New York Times encouraged its readers to "think bigger" and "dial down the political hatred" in 2022. Politicians from Jimmy Carter to Newt and Callista Gingrich have weighed in with OpEds urging Americans to step back from the abyss.
Has bridge-building gone mainstream?
We hope so. But just to be sure, Civic Health Project will continue its work - funding, spotlighting, and strengthening the efforts of the depolarizers, bridge-builders, and peace-builders across America.
In this edition of Depolarize, in honor of Martin Luther King Day, we explore the concept of nonviolence and invite our readers to do the same. Read on!
On Martin Luther King Day,
let's commit to norms of nonviolence
"Once we fully awaken ourselves to the power of nonviolent conflict resolution as practiced by Dr. King in another era, we can do the important work of establishing and strengthening norms of nonviolence in America today."
In our latest blog post, we explore whether and how Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs can commit to resolving our differences peacefully, even -- or perhaps especially -- those differences that seem most intractable.Read the Blog
Revealing Research
Public Agenda recently published its latest study on America's political divides, "America's Hidden Common Ground: Putting Partisan Animosity in Perspective."
Need an antidote to all the recent surveys suggesting we'll soon be at each others' throats? We highly recommend this insightful, digestible read.
Provocative Podcasts
Nothing kick-starts your New Year's fitness resolution like a shiny new playlist in your podcast app!
Three of our favorites are the Braver Angels Podcast, the Let's Find Common Ground podcast (by Common Ground Committee), and Your Undivided Attention (by the Center for Humane Tech).
The inspiring people and ideas they profile will put a spring in your step. Just download and depolarize!
Enriching Events
Did you miss the hottest ticket in Hollywood last fall? Don't worry, you can still watch the replay of "Hollywood and Storytelling in a Divided America," from the newly-launched Center for Entertainment and Civic Health. Watch showrunners, directors, writers, and producers in conversation with social scientists -- and each other -- exploring the entertainment industry's role in fostering social cohesion.
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