Self-segregation contributes to our widening and ever-more hostile political chasm, breeds fear and suspicion and makes compromise all but impossible.
Cocoons may be comfortable, but they aren’t conducive to bringing people together.
Yet it’s more common now for Americans to surround themselves exclusively with others who mirror their political and social beliefs. A Georgetown University survey found a majority of the country — 60% — say most of their friends think the same way as they do about politics, and share the same religion, ethnicity and economic class.
In a diverse and divided country, we are sticking close to our own.
That self-segregation is not healthy for our democracy. It contributes to our widening and ever-more hostile political chasm, breeds fear and suspicion and makes consensus and compromise all but impossible.
Engagement is the only way to bridge the gap.
If you make one New Year’s resolution today, let it be to build meaningful personal relationships across the Great Divide.
It’s not an easy ask. Engagement can be risky. Conversations between people who are passionate in their positions can get ugly in a hurry.
